Solar Panel Cost Guide in Big Bear City, CA (2024 Update)
- Big Bear City Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $20,541
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Big Bear City
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Big Bear City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Big Bear City is 3 per watt.The average Big Bear City homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,973 with the federal tax credit, or $9,971 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Big Bear City can save around $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Big Bear City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,788 |
| 3 years | $-3,419 |
| 5 years | $-1,049 |
| 7 years | $1,320 |
| 9 years | $3,690 |
| 11 years | $6,059 |
| 13 years | $8,429 |
| 15 years | $10,798 |
| 17 years | $13,168 |
| 19 years | $15,537 |
| 21 years | $17,907 |
| 23 years | $20,276 |
| 25 years | $22,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Big Bear City
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Big Bear City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Big Bear City
The cost of installing a solar system in Big Bear City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Big Bear City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Big Bear City, and each can charge varying 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $39,240 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $52,708 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $66,371 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $80,228 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $94,280 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $108,526 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $122,966 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $137,601 | 6.0 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 picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 Big Bear City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Big Bear City?
The average cost of solar panels in Big Bear City is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Big Bear City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Big Bear City. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Big Bear City is currently $474,958, which means you can expect a value of about $19,473 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Big Bear City is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.