Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ramona, CA (2024 Update)

  • Ramona Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
  • 25-Year Savings: $34,641
  • Payback Period: 7.4 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 Ramona

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ramona.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ramona, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,837 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Ramona based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Ramona can save about $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Ramona

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,178
3 years $-1,860
5 years $1,459
7 years $4,777
9 years $8,095
11 years $11,413
13 years $14,731
15 years $18,050
17 years $21,368
19 years $24,686
21 years $28,004
23 years $31,322
25 years $34,641

Top Solar Installers in Ramona

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Ramona:

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 Ramona

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ramona

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Ramona, one of the most crucial 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Ramona, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $33,955 7.7 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $45,662 7.6 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $57,564 7.4 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $69,659 7.3 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $81,949 7.1 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $94,434 7.0 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $107,112 6.8 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $119,985 6.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.

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 Ramona, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ramona?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ramona?

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 property 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 savings from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

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 Ramona is currently $761,988, so you can expect a value of about $31,242 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ramona is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Ramona?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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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