Solar Panel Cost Guide in View Park-Windsor Hills, CA (2024 Update)
- View Park-Windsor Hills Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $15,724
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in View Park-Windsor Hills
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in View Park-Windsor Hills.
In View Park-Windsor Hills, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in View Park-Windsor Hills, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average View Park-Windsor Hills homeowners see about $28,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in View Park-Windsor Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,683 |
| 3 years | $-3,209 |
| 5 years | $-734 |
| 7 years | $1,740 |
| 9 years | $4,214 |
| 11 years | $6,689 |
| 13 years | $9,163 |
| 15 years | $11,637 |
| 17 years | $14,112 |
| 19 years | $16,586 |
| 21 years | $19,061 |
| 23 years | $21,535 |
| 25 years | $24,009 |
Top Solar Installers in View Park-Windsor Hills
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because 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 system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 View Park-Windsor Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in View Park-Windsor Hills
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in View Park-Windsor Hills, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in View Park-Windsor Hills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $29,424 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $39,621 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $50,011 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $60,597 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $71,376 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $82,350 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $93,518 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $104,881 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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 View Park-Windsor Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in View Park-Windsor Hills?
This is a hard 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in View Park-Windsor Hills?
You can’t get solar panels for free in View Park-Windsor Hills. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.