Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brea, CA (2024 Update)
- Brea Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $13,858
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brea
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Brea.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Brea is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Brea is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,006 for a solar installation, or $10,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Brea for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,821 |
| 3 years | $-3,451 |
| 5 years | $-1,082 |
| 7 years | $1,288 |
| 9 years | $3,657 |
| 11 years | $6,027 |
| 13 years | $8,396 |
| 15 years | $10,766 |
| 17 years | $13,135 |
| 19 years | $15,505 |
| 21 years | $17,874 |
| 23 years | $20,244 |
| 25 years | $22,613 |
Top Solar Installers in Brea
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Brea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brea
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Brea: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Brea, one of the most crucial 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 figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Brea provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Brea’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brea know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $25,138 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,906 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,868 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $52,024 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $61,375 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,920 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $80,660 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $90,594 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Brea, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brea?
The average cost of solar panels in Brea is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,343.16 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Brea?
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 after having 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.