Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arcadia, CA (2023 Update)
- Arcadia Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $14,454
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arcadia
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Arcadia.
In Arcadia, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Arcadia, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Arcadia based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Arcadia for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Arcadia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,378 |
| 3 years | $-5,246 |
| 5 years | $-5,113 |
| 7 years | $-4,980 |
| 9 years | $-4,848 |
| 11 years | $-4,715 |
| 13 years | $-4,582 |
| 15 years | $-4,450 |
| 17 years | $-4,317 |
| 19 years | $-4,184 |
| 21 years | $-4,052 |
| 23 years | $-3,919 |
| 25 years | $-3,786 |
Top Solar Installers in Arcadia
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Arcadia, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Arcadia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arcadia
There are several factors 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Arcadia, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Arcadia, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $29,980 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $40,279 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $50,731 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $61,336 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $72,094 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $83,005 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $94,068 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $105,285 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels 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 locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Arcadia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arcadia?
The average cost of solar panels in Arcadia is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Arcadia?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Arcadia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.