Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coachella, CA (Mar 2023)
- Coachella Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $15,749
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coachella
We go over average solar pricing in Coachella.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Coachella typically cost about 2.73. Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Coachella, the average price of going solar will be about $5,351 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Coachella homeowners see about $29,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Coachella
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,507 |
| 3 years | $-2,819 |
| 5 years | $-1,131 |
| 7 years | $557 |
| 9 years | $2,245 |
| 11 years | $3,933 |
| 13 years | $5,621 |
| 15 years | $7,309 |
| 17 years | $8,997 |
| 19 years | $10,685 |
| 21 years | $12,373 |
| 23 years | $14,061 |
| 25 years | $15,749 |
Top Solar Installers in Coachella
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Coachella
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coachella
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Coachella is $5,351, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Coachella, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Coachella, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Coachella is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Coachella know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $33,275 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,673 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $56,223 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,927 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,783 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $91,792 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,954 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $116,269 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Coachella, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Coachella, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Coachella?
The average cost of solar panels in Coachella is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Coachella is currently $193,213, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,922 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Coachella is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Coachella?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.