Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laguna Beach, FL (2024 Update)

  • Laguna Beach Solar Installation Cost: $12,844
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,657
  • Payback Period: 9.8 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Laguna Beach

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Laguna Beach.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Laguna Beach, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Laguna Beach is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,844 for a solar installation, or $18,367 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Laguna Beach

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,085
3 years $-7,566
5 years $-4,048
7 years $-529
9 years $2,989
11 years $6,508
13 years $10,026
15 years $13,545
17 years $17,063
19 years $20,582
21 years $24,100
23 years $27,619
25 years $31,137

Top Solar Installers in Laguna Beach

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're searching for a solar company in Laguna Beach, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

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

See all of the solar companies in Laguna Beach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laguna Beach

For many Laguna Beach homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Laguna Beach, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly 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 Laguna Beach, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Laguna Beach homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Laguna Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.34 $14,021 $20,387 10.2 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $27,542 10.0 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $34,878 9.8 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $42,392 9.6 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $50,087 9.4 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $57,961 9.2 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $66,015 9.0 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $74,249 8.8 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. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

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

EcoWatch's Laguna Beach, FL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Laguna Beach?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,146.95 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Laguna Beach?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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.

Follow us