Solar Panel Cost Guide in Culver City, CA (2024 Update)
- Culver City Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $18,924
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Culver City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Culver City.
The average cost of a solar system in Culver City is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Culver City, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Culver City homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Culver City see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Culver City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Culver City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,578 |
| 3 years | $-2,894 |
| 5 years | $-210 |
| 7 years | $2,474 |
| 9 years | $5,158 |
| 11 years | $7,842 |
| 13 years | $10,526 |
| 15 years | $13,211 |
| 17 years | $15,895 |
| 19 years | $18,579 |
| 21 years | $21,263 |
| 23 years | $23,947 |
| 25 years | $26,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Culver City
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Culver City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Culver City
While the average cost of a solar system in Culver City is $6,920, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Culver City.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Culver City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Culver City offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Culver City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Culver City is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $36,162 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,605 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,242 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,073 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,099 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,319 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,733 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,342 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Culver City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Culver City?
The average cost of solar panels in Culver City 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy 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 $1,710.64 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.