Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pismo Beach, CA (2024 Update)
- Pismo Beach Solar Installation Cost: $6,986
- 25-Year Savings: $20,835
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pismo Beach
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Pismo Beach.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pismo Beach it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pismo Beach is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,986 for a solar installation, or $9,990 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $35,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pismo Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,372 |
| 5 years | $704 |
| 7 years | $3,780 |
| 9 years | $6,855 |
| 11 years | $9,931 |
| 13 years | $13,007 |
| 15 years | $16,083 |
| 17 years | $19,159 |
| 19 years | $22,234 |
| 21 years | $25,310 |
| 23 years | $28,386 |
| 25 years | $31,462 |
Top Solar Installers in Pismo Beach
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pismo Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pismo Beach
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Pismo Beach: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 nearly $3,470. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pismo Beach offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Pismo Beach, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $39,777 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $53,424 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $67,266 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $81,302 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $95,533 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $109,957 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $124,576 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $139,390 | 6.0 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Pismo Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pismo Beach?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pismo Beach?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Pismo Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pismo Beach is currently $1,237,845, which means you could be looking at a value of about $50,752 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pismo Beach is a fruitful investment.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.