Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bell, CA (Mar 2023)
- Bell Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,433
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bell
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bell.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bell it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bell 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.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Bell depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Bell for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,691 |
| 3 years | $-3,181 |
| 5 years | $-1,670 |
| 7 years | $-160 |
| 9 years | $1,350 |
| 11 years | $2,861 |
| 13 years | $4,371 |
| 15 years | $5,882 |
| 17 years | $7,392 |
| 19 years | $8,902 |
| 21 years | $10,413 |
| 23 years | $11,923 |
| 25 years | $13,433 |
Top Solar Installers in Bell
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Bell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bell
There are many criteria that can affect your 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bell average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Bell homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bell, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $27,836 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,420 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,157 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,047 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,090 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $77,286 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $87,635 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $98,136 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Bell, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bell?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bell is currently $401,588, which means you can expect a value of about $16,465 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bell is a fruitful investment.
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 average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.