Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grover Beach, CA (2024 Update)
- Grover Beach Solar Installation Cost: $6,986
- 25-Year Savings: $20,835
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grover Beach
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Grover Beach.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Grover Beach, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Grover Beach homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,986 with the federal tax credit, or $9,990 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $35,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grover Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,372 |
| 5 years | $704 |
| 7 years | $3,780 |
| 9 years | $6,855 |
| 11 years | $9,931 |
| 13 years | $13,007 |
| 15 years | $16,083 |
| 17 years | $19,159 |
| 19 years | $22,234 |
| 21 years | $25,310 |
| 23 years | $28,386 |
| 25 years | $31,462 |
Top Solar Installers in Grover Beach
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Grover Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grover Beach
While the average cost of a solar system in Grover Beach is $6,986, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Grover Beach homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Grover Beach, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $39,777 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $53,424 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $67,266 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $81,302 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $95,533 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $109,957 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $124,576 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $139,390 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Grover Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grover Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Grover Beach is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Grover Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,831.12 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.