Solar Panel Cost Guide in Compton, CA (2023 Update)
- Compton Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $13,947
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Compton
We break down average solar pricing in Compton.
The average cost of a solar system in Compton is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Compton is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,446 for a solar installation, or $7,788 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $26,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Compton find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Compton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,260 |
| 3 years | $-1,890 |
| 5 years | $479 |
| 7 years | $2,849 |
| 9 years | $5,218 |
| 11 years | $7,588 |
| 13 years | $9,957 |
| 15 years | $12,327 |
| 17 years | $14,696 |
| 19 years | $17,066 |
| 21 years | $19,435 |
| 23 years | $21,805 |
| 25 years | $24,174 |
Top Solar Installers in Compton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Compton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Compton
The cost of installing a solar system in Compton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Compton. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Compton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Compton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $28,913 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,856 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,952 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $59,201 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $69,603 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $80,158 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $90,866 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $101,727 | 6.3 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Compton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Compton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
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 $1,361.25 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Compton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.