Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aliso Viejo, CA (2024 Update)
- Aliso Viejo Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $15,393
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aliso Viejo
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Aliso Viejo.
The average cost of solar panels in Aliso Viejo is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $7,006 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Aliso Viejo homeowner can save around $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Aliso Viejo for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Aliso Viejo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,347 |
| 3 years | $-2,028 |
| 5 years | $1,290 |
| 7 years | $4,608 |
| 9 years | $7,926 |
| 11 years | $11,244 |
| 13 years | $14,563 |
| 15 years | $17,881 |
| 17 years | $21,199 |
| 19 years | $24,517 |
| 21 years | $27,835 |
| 23 years | $31,154 |
| 25 years | $34,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Aliso Viejo
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
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 near you:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Aliso Viejo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aliso Viejo
Though the average cost of a solar system in Aliso Viejo is $7,006, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Aliso Viejo average.
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 Aliso Viejo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Aliso Viejo, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $28,330 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,162 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $48,189 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $58,410 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $68,825 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $79,434 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $90,238 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $101,236 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts 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: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Aliso Viejo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aliso Viejo?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Aliso Viejo?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.