Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cerritos, CA (2024 Update)
- Cerritos Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cerritos
We go over average solar pricing in Cerritos.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cerritos it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,920 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Cerritos homeowner can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cerritos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Cerritos
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Cerritos, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Cerritos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cerritos
Although the average cost of a solar system in Cerritos is $6,920, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Cerritos, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Cerritos homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Cerritos, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $24,370 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,882 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,589 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,489 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,584 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,874 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $78,357 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $88,035 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to 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 to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Cerritos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cerritos?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cerritos is currently $990,524, which means you can expect a value of about $40,611 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cerritos is a fruitful investment.
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 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.