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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Los Angeles, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,920 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in East Los Angeles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Los Angeles
There are several criteria that can play into your 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
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in East Los Angeles.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like East Los Angeles, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for East Los Angeles homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in East Los Angeles is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's East Los Angeles, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Los Angeles?
The average cost of solar panels in East Los Angeles is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in East Los Angeles?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.