Solar Panel Cost Guide in Isla Vista, CA (2024 Update)
- Isla Vista Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $17,172
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Isla Vista
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Isla Vista.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Isla Vista generally cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Isla Vista is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,836 for a solar installation, or $9,775 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Isla Vista homeowners see about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Isla Vista that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Isla Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,298 |
| 3 years | $-2,222 |
| 5 years | $854 |
| 7 years | $3,929 |
| 9 years | $7,005 |
| 11 years | $10,081 |
| 13 years | $13,157 |
| 15 years | $16,233 |
| 17 years | $19,308 |
| 19 years | $22,384 |
| 21 years | $25,460 |
| 23 years | $28,536 |
| 25 years | $31,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Isla Vista
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Isla Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Isla Vista
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Isla Vista is $6,836, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Isla Vista, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Isla Vista average.
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 Isla Vista homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Isla Vista, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $32,919 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,281 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,837 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,587 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,531 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,670 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $104,003 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,531 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Isla Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Isla Vista?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Isla Vista?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Isla Vista have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.