Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lompoc, CA (2024 Update)

  • Lompoc Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,211
  • Payback Period: 7.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lompoc

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Lompoc.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Lompoc is 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lompoc, the average price of going solar will be about $6,836 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Lompoc, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lompoc

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 Lompoc

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Lompoc

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lompoc

There are a number of factors that can play into 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 panels.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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 raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Lompoc’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $33,003 7.9 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $44,393 7.7 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $55,977 7.6 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $67,755 7.4 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $79,728 7.3 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $91,895 7.1 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $104,256 7.0 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $116,811 6.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system 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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lompoc, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lompoc?

The average cost of solar panels in Lompoc 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Lompoc?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Lompoc. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Lompoc have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.

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