Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Tustin, CA (2024 Update)
- North Tustin Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $13,257
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Tustin
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Tustin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Tustin it’s 3 per watt.Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in North Tustin, the average price of going solar will be about $7,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in North Tustin based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $25,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Tustin find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in North Tustin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,821 |
| 3 years | $-3,451 |
| 5 years | $-1,082 |
| 7 years | $1,288 |
| 9 years | $3,657 |
| 11 years | $6,027 |
| 13 years | $8,396 |
| 15 years | $10,766 |
| 17 years | $13,135 |
| 19 years | $15,505 |
| 21 years | $17,874 |
| 23 years | $20,244 |
| 25 years | $22,613 |
Top Solar Installers in North Tustin
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
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 in North Tustin:
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 North Tustin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Tustin
For many North Tustin homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Tustin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in North Tustin, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in North Tustin, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in North Tustin, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $23,888 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,239 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $40,785 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,525 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,459 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $67,588 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $76,911 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $86,428 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 North Tustin, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Tustin?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Tustin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity 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 $1,301.50 per year.
How long do solar panels last in North Tustin?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.