Solar Panel Cost Guide in Simi Valley, CA (2024 Update)
- Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Simi Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Simi Valley it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Simi Valley, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,958, or $9,950 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Simi Valley based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Simi Valley can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Simi Valley
| 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 Simi Valley
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Simi Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Simi Valley
For many Simi Valley homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Simi Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Simi Valley, 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 usage, which you can determine 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 get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Simi Valley homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Simi Valley, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A 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 Simi Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Simi Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Simi Valley 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Simi Valley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Simi Valley. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Simi Valley 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 power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Simi Valley?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.