Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alhambra, CA (2023 Update)
- Alhambra Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $15,189
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alhambra
We break down average solar pricing in Alhambra.
In Alhambra, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Alhambra is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,446 for a solar installation, or $7,788 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Alhambra homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Alhambra homeowner can save about $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alhambra
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,621 |
| 3 years | $-2,970 |
| 5 years | $-1,319 |
| 7 years | $332 |
| 9 years | $1,982 |
| 11 years | $3,633 |
| 13 years | $5,284 |
| 15 years | $6,935 |
| 17 years | $8,586 |
| 19 years | $10,237 |
| 21 years | $11,887 |
| 23 years | $13,538 |
| 25 years | $15,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Alhambra
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Alhambra
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alhambra
For many Alhambra homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alhambra, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly 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 going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Alhambra. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alhambra average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alhambra to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Alhambra, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $31,533 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,350 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,320 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,442 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,718 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,146 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,727 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,461 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Alhambra, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alhambra?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alhambra is currently $612,566, so you could be looking at a value of about $25,115 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alhambra is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.