Pricing
The average cost of a residential solar panel system in California ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit, costs typically range from $10,500 to $17,500. Final costs depend on system size, equipment quality, and installation complexity.
The average cost of a residential solar panel system in California ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit, costs typically range from $10,500 to $17,500. Final costs depend on system size, equipment quality, and installation complexity.
Installation
Most residential solar installations are completed in 1-3 days. However, the entire process from signing a contract to system activation typically takes 2-3 months, including permitting, utility approvals, and scheduling.
Most residential solar installations are completed in 1-3 days. However, the entire process from signing a contract to system activation typically takes 2-3 months, including permitting, utility approvals, and scheduling.
While technically possible, DIY solar installation is not recommended. Professional installation ensures proper permitting, electrical work, structural integrity, warranty coverage, and utility interconnection. Mistakes can be costly and dangerous.
Incentives
California residents can benefit from the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, Net Energy Metering, SGIP battery storage rebates, property tax exemptions for solar installations, and various local utility incentives. These can reduce total costs by 40-50%.
California residents can benefit from: 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC), Net Energy Metering (NEM), SGIP battery storage rebates, property tax exemptions for solar installations, and various local utility incentives. These can reduce total costs by 40-50%.
Technology
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during outages for safety reasons. However, systems with battery backup can provide power during outages. This requires additional investment in battery storage.
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during outages for safety reasons. However, systems with battery backup (like Tesla Powerwall) can provide power during outages. This requires additional investment in battery storage.
Quality solar panels typically last 25-30 years with minimal degradation. Most manufacturers offer 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80-85% of original output. Inverters may need replacement after 10-15 years.
Quality solar panels typically last 25-30 years with minimal degradation. Most manufacturers offer 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80-85% of original output. Inverters may need replacement after 10-15 years.
Benefits
Studies show solar panels increase home values by an average of 4% in California. This typically translates to $15,000-$20,000 added value for median-priced homes. Solar homes also sell faster than comparable non-solar homes.
Studies show solar panels increase home values by an average of 4.1% in California. This typically translates to $15,000-$20,000 added value for median-priced homes. Solar homes also sell faster than comparable non-solar homes.
Maintenance
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning (2-4 times per year) and annual inspections are recommended. Most systems include monitoring to alert you of any performance issues. Rain typically handles basic cleaning in most areas.