Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burbank, CA (2024 Update)
- Burbank Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $20,049
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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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 typically cost about 3.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Burbank, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Burbank based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Burbank homeowner can save about $34,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burbank
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,890 |
| 3 years | $-3,831 |
| 5 years | $-1,771 |
| 7 years | $289 |
| 9 years | $2,348 |
| 11 years | $4,408 |
| 13 years | $6,468 |
| 15 years | $8,528 |
| 17 years | $10,587 |
| 19 years | $12,647 |
| 21 years | $14,707 |
| 23 years | $16,766 |
| 25 years | $18,826 |
Top Solar Installers in Burbank
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Burbank, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Burbank
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burbank
For many Burbank homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Burbank, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Burbank, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Burbank average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Burbank homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $38,531 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $51,763 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $65,190 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $78,811 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $92,626 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $106,636 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $120,840 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $135,238 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Burbank, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burbank?
The average cost of solar panels in Burbank is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Burbank?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Burbank?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.