Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westlake Village, CA (2024 Update)
- Westlake Village Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westlake Village
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Westlake Village.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westlake Village, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Westlake Village 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.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Westlake Village can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Westlake Village that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westlake Village
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Westlake Village
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Westlake Village
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westlake Village
The cost of installing a solar system in Westlake Village can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
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 assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Westlake Village offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Westlake Village homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westlake Village is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $24,370 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,882 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,589 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,489 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,584 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,874 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $78,357 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $88,035 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Westlake Village, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westlake Village?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westlake Village?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Westlake Village have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.