Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burbank, CA (2023 Update)
- Burbank Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $20,049
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burbank
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Burbank.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Burbank generally cost around 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Burbank is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,446 for a solar installation, or $7,788 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 specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Burbank homeowner can save around $34,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Burbank, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burbank
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,415 |
| 3 years | $-2,355 |
| 5 years | $-295 |
| 7 years | $1,765 |
| 9 years | $3,824 |
| 11 years | $5,884 |
| 13 years | $7,944 |
| 15 years | $10,003 |
| 17 years | $12,063 |
| 19 years | $14,123 |
| 21 years | $16,183 |
| 23 years | $18,242 |
| 25 years | $20,302 |
Top Solar Installers in Burbank
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Burbank, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Burbank
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burbank
The cost of installing a solar system in Burbank can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Burbank, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Burbank, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Burbank is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $41,763 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $55,990 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $70,370 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $84,903 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $99,588 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $114,427 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $129,418 | 4.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $144,562 | 4.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
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 Burbank, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burbank?
The average cost of solar panels in Burbank is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Burbank?
Solar panels aren't free in Burbank, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.