Solar Panel Cost Guide in Goleta, CA (2024 Update)
- Goleta Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,912
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Goleta
We go over average solar pricing in Goleta.
The average cost of a solar system in Goleta is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Goleta see about $29,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Goleta, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Goleta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,592 |
| 3 years | $-3,105 |
| 5 years | $-618 |
| 7 years | $1,869 |
| 9 years | $4,357 |
| 11 years | $6,844 |
| 13 years | $9,331 |
| 15 years | $11,818 |
| 17 years | $14,305 |
| 19 years | $16,793 |
| 21 years | $19,280 |
| 23 years | $21,767 |
| 25 years | $24,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Goleta
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer 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 Goleta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Goleta
For many Goleta homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Goleta, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various 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 Goleta, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Goleta, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Goleta, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $30,232 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,698 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,358 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,213 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $73,262 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $84,505 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $95,943 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $107,575 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Goleta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Goleta?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Goleta?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Goleta is currently $1,288,915, which means you can expect a value of about $52,846 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Goleta is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Goleta?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.