Solar Panel Cost Guide in Altadena, CA (2024 Update)
- Altadena Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $15,959
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Altadena
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Altadena.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Altadena, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Altadena, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Altadena that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Altadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Altadena
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Altadena:
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
See all of the solar companies in Altadena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Altadena
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Altadena to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Altadena are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $29,918 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,279 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $50,835 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $61,585 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $72,529 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $83,668 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $95,001 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $106,528 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
EcoWatch's Altadena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Altadena?
The average cost of solar panels in Altadena is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Altadena?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Altadena, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Altadena?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.