Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Los Angeles, CA (Mar 2023)
- East Los Angeles Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $14,409
- Payback Period: 6.9 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 East Los Angeles
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in East Los Angeles.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Los Angeles, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in East Los Angeles, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in East Los Angeles based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average East Los Angeles homeowner can save about $26,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Los Angeles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,652 |
| 3 years | $-3,064 |
| 5 years | $-1,475 |
| 7 years | $113 |
| 9 years | $1,702 |
| 11 years | $3,290 |
| 13 years | $4,878 |
| 15 years | $6,467 |
| 17 years | $8,055 |
| 19 years | $9,644 |
| 21 years | $11,232 |
| 23 years | $12,820 |
| 25 years | $14,409 |
Top Solar Installers in East Los Angeles
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in East Los Angeles, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 East Los Angeles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Los Angeles
There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in East Los Angeles, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk 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 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $29,890 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $40,159 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $50,581 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $61,156 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $71,883 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $82,764 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $93,797 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $104,983 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 East Los Angeles, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Los Angeles?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in East Los Angeles?
Solar panels aren't free in East Los Angeles, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in East Los Angeles is currently $416,479, which means you could be looking at a value of about $17,076 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Los Angeles is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.