Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Los Angeles, CA (2024 Update)
- East Los Angeles Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,411
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Los Angeles
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in East Los Angeles.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Los Angeles typically cost about 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in East Los Angeles, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $26,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in East Los Angeles find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in East Los Angeles, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Los Angeles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in East Los Angeles
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 East Los Angeles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Los Angeles
Although the average cost of a solar system in East Los Angeles is $6,920, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in East Los Angeles, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in East Los Angeles offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. East Los Angeles’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $26,657 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $35,932 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $45,401 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $55,064 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $64,921 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $74,973 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $85,219 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $95,659 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- 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 type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 East Los Angeles, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Los Angeles?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels 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 feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on 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 $627,605, so you could be looking at a value of about $25,732 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 worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in East Los Angeles?
On average, solar panels can last 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.