Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blythe, CA (Mar 2023)
- Blythe Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,470
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blythe
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Blythe.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Blythe is 2.73 per watt. The average Blythe homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Blythe depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Blythe homeowner can save around $26,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Blythe for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Blythe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,598 |
| 3 years | $-3,092 |
| 5 years | $-1,587 |
| 7 years | $-81 |
| 9 years | $1,425 |
| 11 years | $2,930 |
| 13 years | $4,436 |
| 15 years | $5,942 |
| 17 years | $7,447 |
| 19 years | $8,953 |
| 21 years | $10,458 |
| 23 years | $11,964 |
| 25 years | $13,470 |
Top Solar Installers in Blythe
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Blythe, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Blythe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blythe
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Blythe is $5,351, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Blythe, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind 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. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Blythe average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Blythe homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Blythe, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $28,392 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,162 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,085 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,161 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,389 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,770 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,305 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,992 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to 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 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 Blythe, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blythe?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Blythe?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.