Solar Panel Cost Guide in Camarillo, CA (2024 Update)
- Camarillo Solar Installation Cost: $6,958
- 25-Year Savings: $13,295
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Camarillo
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Camarillo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Camarillo it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $6,958 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 will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Camarillo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,773 |
| 3 years | $-3,403 |
| 5 years | $-1,034 |
| 7 years | $1,336 |
| 9 years | $3,705 |
| 11 years | $6,075 |
| 13 years | $8,444 |
| 15 years | $10,814 |
| 17 years | $13,183 |
| 19 years | $15,553 |
| 21 years | $17,922 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $22,661 |
Top Solar Installers in Camarillo
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Camarillo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Camarillo
For many Camarillo homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Camarillo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Camarillo, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Camarillo to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Camarillo is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.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 find a company that provides 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 | $24,158 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,600 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,236 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,066 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,090 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,309 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $77,722 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $87,329 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Camarillo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Camarillo?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Camarillo?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Camarillo, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Camarillo have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Camarillo?
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 level 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.