Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coachella, CA (2024 Update)

  • Coachella Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,747
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coachella

We go over average solar pricing in Coachella.

The average cost of a solar system in Coachella is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Coachella is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,803 for a solar installation, or $9,728 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Coachella homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Coachella homeowner can save around $29,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Coachella

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,566
3 years $-3,092
5 years $-617
7 years $1,857
9 years $4,332
11 years $6,806
13 years $9,281
15 years $11,755
17 years $14,230
19 years $16,704
21 years $19,179
23 years $21,653
25 years $24,128

Top Solar Installers in Coachella

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Coachella

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coachella

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Coachella is $6,803, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Coachella average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Coachella to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the 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 $3.61 $15,157 $30,043 8.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $40,446 8.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $51,043 8.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $61,835 7.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $72,821 7.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $84,001 7.6 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $95,376 7.4 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $106,945 7.3 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Coachella, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Coachella?

The average cost of solar panels in Coachella is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Coachella?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,506.67 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Coachella?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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