Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orcutt, CA (2024 Update)
- Orcutt Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $20,953
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orcutt
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Orcutt.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Orcutt, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $36,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Orcutt that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Orcutt
| 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 Orcutt
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, 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.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Orcutt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orcutt
For many Orcutt homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Orcutt, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Orcutt, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar companies in Orcutt provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind 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
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $40,980 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $55,028 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $69,271 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $83,708 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $98,340 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $113,166 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $128,186 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $143,401 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Orcutt, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orcutt?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Orcutt?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Orcutt. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.