Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anaheim, CA (2024 Update)
- Anaheim Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $15,059
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anaheim
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Anaheim.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Anaheim typically cost about 3.Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Anaheim, the average price of going solar will be about $7,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Anaheim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,856 |
| 3 years | $-3,556 |
| 5 years | $-1,256 |
| 7 years | $1,044 |
| 9 years | $3,344 |
| 11 years | $5,644 |
| 13 years | $7,944 |
| 15 years | $10,244 |
| 17 years | $12,544 |
| 19 years | $14,844 |
| 21 years | $17,144 |
| 23 years | $19,444 |
| 25 years | $21,744 |
Top Solar Installers in Anaheim
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost 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 Anaheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anaheim
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Anaheim, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Anaheim, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a 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 | $27,637 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,238 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $47,033 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $57,023 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,207 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $77,585 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $88,158 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $98,924 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Anaheim, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Anaheim?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Anaheim?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Anaheim?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Anaheim?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.