Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arcadia, CA (2024 Update)

  • Arcadia Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,454
  • Payback Period: 8.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arcadia

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Arcadia.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Arcadia, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Arcadia homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $27,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arcadia find installing solar panels can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Arcadia for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Arcadia

YearReturn 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 Arcadia

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Arcadia:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Arcadia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arcadia

There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Arcadia provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Arcadia homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Arcadia is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$26,7489.0 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$36,0528.9 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$45,5518.7 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$55,2458.5 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$65,1328.3 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$75,2148.2 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$85,4908.0 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$95,9617.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Arcadia, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arcadia?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Arcadia?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Arcadia, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.