California is America’s most active solar hotspot. In fact, we have more installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity than the other 49 states combined.
All of this activity also makes California the most competitive solar market as well. In addition, we have fantastic green incentives that are designed to make going solar even more affordable than it already is.
So you’d think that we’d have some of the lowest solar power installation prices in the country.
But according to new research from EnergySage, this isn’t the case. On a per watt basis, solar installations in California tend to be more expensive than the national average.
So what gives?
There are 2 potential reasons why solar power tends to be more expensive in the Golden State.
1. More Solar Power Competition = More Marketing Costs
Because California is a more mature solar market, installers have to invest more heavily in their advertising campaigns. These extra costs get factored into the total installation price – especially among contractors who outsource marketing and customer acquisition.
Even we face this problem at Sunline Energy.
At least we used to.
These days, we rely primarily on word-of-mouth advertising to win new clients. This allows us to keep our operating and marketing costs to a minimum. And we’re able to pass those savings on to our customers.
2. Solar Installations in California Focus on “Value Pricing”
The primary reason that people go solar is to save money. And those savings change depending on the utility market in which you live.
Because California tends to have higher electricity prices, installers often “pad” their numbers accordingly. This is especially true when it comes to solar leasing and power purchase agreements (PPAs) – financing arrangements that focus on monthly savings. Contractors can charge slightly higher prices while still delivering “value” to their customers.
Our solution is to not use solar leases or PPAs at all. We encourage our customers to explore other financing approaches – like solar loans. Because you own the system, the focus isn’t just on monthly savings. Instead, the goal is to deliver the highest possible return on investment over the entire lifetime of your solar PV system.
In other words, the emphasis is on long-term value. And as a result, the pricing that we offer is far more reflective of the benefits you actually receive.
How to Find the Best Solar Deals in California
EnergySage’s findings are very telling. California does indeed tend to have more expensive solar installations across the board. But those higher prices aren’t 100% universal.
And we can prove it.
We recommend requesting free solar quotes from multiple installers in your neighborhood. And compare those numbers with the solar quote you receive from Sunline Energy.
We’re confident that the prices, payback periods, and ROIs that we offer are vastly superior to anything you receive elsewhere.
You don’t have to take our word for it, of course. These solar quotes are 100% free. And you can make the comparison yourself – without spending a dime.
To request your free Sunline Energy solar quote today.
