Solar Panel Cost Guide in Old Fig Garden, CA (2024 Update)

  • Old Fig Garden Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,639
  • Payback Period: 6.9 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 Old Fig Garden

We go over average solar pricing in Old Fig Garden.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Old Fig Garden, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Old Fig Garden, the average price of going solar will be about $7,234 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Old Fig Garden homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Old Fig Garden for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Old Fig Garden

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,696
3 years $-2,621
5 years $455
7 years $3,531
9 years $6,607
11 years $9,683
13 years $12,758
15 years $15,834
17 years $18,910
19 years $21,986
21 years $25,062
23 years $28,137
25 years $31,213

Top Solar Installers in Old Fig Garden

When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Old Fig Garden

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Old Fig Garden

The cost of installing a solar system in Old Fig Garden can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Old Fig Garden, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Old Fig Garden, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 $37,888 7.1 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $50,906 7.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $64,119 6.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $77,525 6.7 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $91,126 6.6 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $104,922 6.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $118,911 6.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $133,095 6.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.

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 Old Fig Garden, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Old Fig Garden?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Old Fig Garden?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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