Solar Panel Cost Guide in Desert Hot Springs, CA (Mar 2023)
- Desert Hot Springs Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,449
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Desert Hot Springs
We break down average solar pricing in Desert Hot Springs.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Desert Hot Springs, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Desert Hot Springs, the average price of going solar will be about $5,351 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Desert Hot Springs homeowners. The cost 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. With average savings of about $26,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Desert Hot Springs find investing in solar can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Desert Hot Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,599 |
| 3 years | $-3,095 |
| 5 years | $-1,591 |
| 7 years | $-87 |
| 9 years | $1,417 |
| 11 years | $2,921 |
| 13 years | $4,425 |
| 15 years | $5,929 |
| 17 years | $7,433 |
| 19 years | $8,937 |
| 21 years | $10,441 |
| 23 years | $11,945 |
| 25 years | $13,449 |
Top Solar Installers in Desert Hot Springs
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 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 Desert Hot Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Desert Hot Springs
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Desert Hot Springs: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Desert Hot Springs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Desert Hot Springs, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Desert Hot Springs, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $28,348 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,104 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,012 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,073 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,286 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,653 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,173 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,845 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Desert Hot Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Desert Hot Springs?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Desert Hot Springs?
You can't get solar panels for free in Desert Hot Springs. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.