Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orinda, CA (2024 Update)
- Orinda Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
- 25-Year Savings: $31,053
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orinda
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Orinda.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Orinda typically cost around 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Orinda, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,395, or $10,575 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orinda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,857 |
| 3 years | $-2,781 |
| 5 years | $295 |
| 7 years | $3,371 |
| 9 years | $6,446 |
| 11 years | $9,522 |
| 13 years | $12,598 |
| 15 years | $15,674 |
| 17 years | $18,750 |
| 19 years | $21,825 |
| 21 years | $24,901 |
| 23 years | $27,977 |
| 25 years | $31,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Orinda
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar company in Orinda, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Orinda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orinda
Though the average cost of a solar system in Orinda is $7,395, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orinda to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Orinda’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Orinda know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $36,738 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,373 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,202 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,225 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,443 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,855 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,461 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,262 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While 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 be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Orinda, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orinda?
The average cost of solar panels in Orinda is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Orinda?
Solar panels aren’t free in Orinda, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.