How much does it really cost to convert your home to solar power? A new study estimates the average cost in California was $18,675 last year after typical incentives.
The study by Solar to the People, scheduled to be released Thursday, found wide variability throughout the state. Installations averaged only $16,212 in the Central Coast, but the cost rose to $20,698 in Shasta County near the Oregon border.
San Diego County came in near the average at $18,540.
“California is the top state in the U.S. for residential solar,” the study said. “But one question remains for many homeowners — how much does solar actually cost?”
Earlier studies found that the cost of installing solar averaged $15,137 in New York and $20,180 in Massachusetts.
The study noted that California has the highest electricity cost on the West Coast, and one of the highest in the country, making solar an attractive option even at thousands of dollars in upfront costs.
Solar to the People is a San Diego-based company that compiles detailed information on solar power nationwide and provides price quotes from multiple qualified solar installers.
