Solar Panel Cost Guide in Simi Valley, CA (2024 Update)
- Simi Valley Solar Installation Cost: $6,958
- 25-Year Savings: $13,295
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Simi Valley
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Simi Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Simi Valley, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $6,958 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $25,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Simi Valley find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Simi Valley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Simi Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,773 |
| 3 years | $-3,403 |
| 5 years | $-1,034 |
| 7 years | $1,336 |
| 9 years | $3,705 |
| 11 years | $6,075 |
| 13 years | $8,444 |
| 15 years | $10,814 |
| 17 years | $13,183 |
| 19 years | $15,553 |
| 21 years | $17,922 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $22,661 |
Top Solar Installers in Simi Valley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Simi Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Simi Valley
For many Simi Valley homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Simi Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Simi Valley to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much it costs. Simi Valley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Simi Valley are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $24,158 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,600 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,236 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,066 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,090 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,309 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $77,722 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $87,329 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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 looking over 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. 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 Simi Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Simi Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Simi Valley is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Simi Valley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Simi Valley. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Simi Valley?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.