Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandenberg Village, CA (2024 Update)
- Vandenberg Village Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $17,211
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandenberg Village
We break down average solar pricing in Vandenberg Village.
In Vandenberg Village, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Vandenberg Village is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,836 for a solar installation, or $9,775 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Vandenberg Village homeowner can save about $31,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vandenberg Village
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,298 |
| 3 years | $-2,222 |
| 5 years | $854 |
| 7 years | $3,929 |
| 9 years | $7,005 |
| 11 years | $10,081 |
| 13 years | $13,157 |
| 15 years | $16,233 |
| 17 years | $19,308 |
| 19 years | $22,384 |
| 21 years | $25,460 |
| 23 years | $28,536 |
| 25 years | $31,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandenberg Village
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Vandenberg Village:
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 Vandenberg Village
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandenberg Village
For many Vandenberg Village homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vandenberg Village, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Vandenberg Village.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Vandenberg Village average.
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 Vandenberg Village, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Vandenberg Village’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $33,003 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,393 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,977 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,755 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,728 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,895 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $104,256 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,811 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Vandenberg Village, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Vandenberg Village, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vandenberg Village?
The average cost of solar panels in Vandenberg Village 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Vandenberg Village have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.