Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cathedral City, CA (Mar 2023)
- Cathedral City Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,985
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cathedral City
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cathedral City.
The average cost of a solar system in Cathedral City is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cathedral City, the average price of going solar will be about $5,351 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Cathedral City homeowner can save around $26,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Cathedral City that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cathedral City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,577 |
| 3 years | $-3,031 |
| 5 years | $-1,484 |
| 7 years | $63 |
| 9 years | $1,610 |
| 11 years | $3,157 |
| 13 years | $4,704 |
| 15 years | $6,250 |
| 17 years | $7,797 |
| 19 years | $9,344 |
| 21 years | $10,891 |
| 23 years | $12,438 |
| 25 years | $13,985 |
Top Solar Installers in Cathedral City
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Cathedral City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cathedral City
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cathedral City is $5,351, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Cathedral City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cathedral City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cathedral City is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $29,495 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $39,633 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $49,923 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $60,367 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $70,963 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $81,712 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $92,614 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $103,669 | 6.2 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Cathedral City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cathedral City?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.