Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montecito, CA (2024 Update)
- Montecito Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $13,391
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montecito
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Montecito.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Montecito it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Montecito, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,836, or $9,775 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Montecito homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montecito
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,651 |
| 3 years | $-3,282 |
| 5 years | $-912 |
| 7 years | $1,457 |
| 9 years | $3,827 |
| 11 years | $6,196 |
| 13 years | $8,566 |
| 15 years | $10,935 |
| 17 years | $13,305 |
| 19 years | $15,674 |
| 21 years | $18,044 |
| 23 years | $20,413 |
| 25 years | $22,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Montecito
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Montecito
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montecito
Although the average cost of a solar system in Montecito is $6,836, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Montecito, 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Montecito homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Montecito is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $24,858 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,533 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,402 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,465 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,723 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,175 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,821 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,662 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Montecito, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montecito?
The average cost of solar panels in Montecito 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Montecito?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Montecito have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 long do solar panels last in Montecito?
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 level 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.