Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bell Gardens, CA (2024 Update)

  • Bell Gardens Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,325
  • Payback Period: 9.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Bell Gardens

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Bell Gardens.

In Bell Gardens, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,920 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Bell Gardens

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 Bell Gardens

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

See all of the solar companies in Bell Gardens

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bell Gardens

For many Bell Gardens homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bell Gardens, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Bell Gardens.The type of 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bell Gardens average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bell Gardens, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Bell Gardens are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $24,370 9.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,882 9.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,589 9.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $50,489 9.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $59,584 8.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,874 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $78,357 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $88,035 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

EcoWatch's Bell Gardens, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bell Gardens?

This is a difficult 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Bell Gardens have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Bell Gardens?

Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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