Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Juan Capistrano, CA (2024 Update)

  • San Juan Capistrano Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,820
  • Payback Period: 8.2 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 San Juan Capistrano

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in San Juan Capistrano.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Juan Capistrano it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in San Juan Capistrano, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,006, or $10,019 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in San Juan Capistrano based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in San Juan Capistrano can save around $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in San Juan Capistrano for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in San Juan Capistrano

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,347
3 years $-2,028
5 years $1,290
7 years $4,608
9 years $7,926
11 years $11,244
13 years $14,563
15 years $17,881
17 years $21,199
19 years $24,517
21 years $27,835
23 years $31,154
25 years $34,472

Top Solar Installers in San Juan Capistrano

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 San Juan Capistrano

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Juan Capistrano

There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in San Juan Capistrano.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many San Juan Capistrano homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. San Juan Capistrano’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 $29,219 8.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $39,347 8.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $49,670 8.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $60,186 8.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $70,898 7.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $81,803 7.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $92,903 7.6 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $104,197 7.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

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 San Juan Capistrano, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Juan Capistrano?

The average cost of solar panels in San Juan Capistrano is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in San Juan Capistrano?

You can’t get solar panels for free in San Juan Capistrano. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in San Juan Capistrano is currently $1,164,958, so you can expect a value of about $47,763 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in San Juan Capistrano is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in San Juan Capistrano?

Although 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 their energy production 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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