Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dana Point, CA (2024 Update)
- Dana Point Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $16,460
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dana Point
We break down average solar pricing in Dana Point.
In Dana Point, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Dana Point is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,006 for a solar installation, or $10,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $29,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Dana Point for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Dana Point
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,347 |
| 3 years | $-2,028 |
| 5 years | $1,290 |
| 7 years | $4,608 |
| 9 years | $7,926 |
| 11 years | $11,244 |
| 13 years | $14,563 |
| 15 years | $17,881 |
| 17 years | $21,199 |
| 19 years | $24,517 |
| 21 years | $27,835 |
| 23 years | $31,154 |
| 25 years | $34,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Dana Point
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Dana Point
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dana Point
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Dana Point.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dana Point, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dana Point, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Dana Point’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $30,551 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,124 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,891 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,852 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,007 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,357 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $96,901 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $108,639 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Dana Point, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Dana Point, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dana Point?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dana Point?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dana Point. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.