Solar Panel Cost Guide in Big Bear City, CA (2023 Update)
- Big Bear City Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $20,541
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Big Bear City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Big Bear City.
In Big Bear City, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Big Bear City is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,485 for a solar installation, or $7,844 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Big Bear City homeowners see about $34,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Big Bear City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,399 |
| 3 years | $-5,226 |
| 5 years | $-5,052 |
| 7 years | $-4,879 |
| 9 years | $-4,705 |
| 11 years | $-4,532 |
| 13 years | $-4,358 |
| 15 years | $-4,185 |
| 17 years | $-4,011 |
| 19 years | $-3,838 |
| 21 years | $-3,664 |
| 23 years | $-3,491 |
| 25 years | $-3,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Big Bear City
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
See all of the solar companies in Big Bear City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Big Bear City
For many Big Bear City homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Big Bear City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly 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 spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Big Bear City. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Big Bear City average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact 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 Big Bear City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
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.