Solar Panel Cost Guide in View Park-Windsor Hills, CA (2024 Update)
- View Park-Windsor Hills Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $15,724
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in View Park-Windsor Hills
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in View Park-Windsor Hills.
In View Park-Windsor Hills, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in View Park-Windsor Hills is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,920 for a solar installation, or $9,896 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 View Park-Windsor Hills 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in View Park-Windsor Hills can save about $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 View Park-Windsor Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,683 |
| 3 years | $-3,209 |
| 5 years | $-734 |
| 7 years | $1,740 |
| 9 years | $4,214 |
| 11 years | $6,689 |
| 13 years | $9,163 |
| 15 years | $11,637 |
| 17 years | $14,112 |
| 19 years | $16,586 |
| 21 years | $19,061 |
| 23 years | $21,535 |
| 25 years | $24,009 |
Top Solar Installers in View Park-Windsor Hills
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 View Park-Windsor Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in View Park-Windsor Hills
For many View Park-Windsor Hills homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in View Park-Windsor Hills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in View Park-Windsor Hills, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand 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 come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in View Park-Windsor Hills have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in View Park-Windsor Hills is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $29,424 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $39,621 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $50,011 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $60,597 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $71,376 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $82,350 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $93,518 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $104,881 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 View Park-Windsor Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in View Park-Windsor Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in View Park-Windsor Hills 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in View Park-Windsor Hills?
A solar panel system isn’t free in View Park-Windsor Hills, 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 further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 choose 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.