Solar Panel Cost Guide in Culver City, CA (Mar 2023)
- Culver City Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $18,922
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Culver City
We go over average solar pricing in Culver City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Culver City, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Culver City 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Culver City homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Culver City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,472 |
| 3 years | $-2,522 |
| 5 years | $-573 |
| 7 years | $1,377 |
| 9 years | $3,326 |
| 11 years | $5,276 |
| 13 years | $7,225 |
| 15 years | $9,175 |
| 17 years | $11,124 |
| 19 years | $13,074 |
| 21 years | $15,023 |
| 23 years | $16,973 |
| 25 years | $18,922 |
Top Solar Installers in Culver City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Culver City, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Culver City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Culver City
While the average cost of a solar system in Culver City is $5,446, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Culver City. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Culver City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Culver City provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Culver City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Culver City know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $39,395 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,832 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,422 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,165 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,061 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,110 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,311 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,666 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to 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: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of 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 go with.
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 Culver City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Culver City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Culver City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.