Solar Panel Cost Guide in Big Bear City, CA (Mar 2023)
- Big Bear City Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $20,542
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Big Bear City
We break down average solar pricing in Big Bear City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Big Bear City is 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Big Bear City, the average price of going solar will be about $5,485 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With average savings of about $34,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Big Bear City find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Big Bear City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Big Bear City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,444 |
| 3 years | $-2,361 |
| 5 years | $-279 |
| 7 years | $1,803 |
| 9 years | $3,885 |
| 11 years | $5,967 |
| 13 years | $8,049 |
| 15 years | $10,131 |
| 17 years | $12,214 |
| 19 years | $14,296 |
| 21 years | $16,378 |
| 23 years | $18,460 |
| 25 years | $20,542 |
Top Solar Installers in Big Bear City
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Big Bear City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Big Bear City
While the average cost of a solar system in Big Bear City is $5,485, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better 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 limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Big Bear City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
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 installation companies in Big Bear City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $42,472 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,935 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,551 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,320 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $101,242 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,317 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,544 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $146,925 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts 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 Big Bear City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Big Bear City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Big Bear City?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.