Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Center, CA (2024 Update)

  • Valley Center Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,661
  • 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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Center

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Valley Center.

The average cost of solar panels in Valley Center is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Valley Center is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,837 for a solar installation, or $9,777 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Valley Center homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Valley Center homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Valley Center

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 Valley Center

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Valley Center

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Center

For many Valley Center homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valley Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Valley Center average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Valley Center, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Valley Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 $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

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding 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.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.

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 Valley Center, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley Center?

The average cost of solar panels in Valley Center 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Valley Center?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Valley Center. 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.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Valley Center?

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 opt to replace them once you've had 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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