Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Pasadena, CA (Mar 2023)
- East Pasadena Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $15,957
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Pasadena
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in East Pasadena.
In East Pasadena, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in East Pasadena 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.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average East Pasadena homeowner can save around $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in East Pasadena, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Pasadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,590 |
| 3 years | $-2,878 |
| 5 years | $-1,166 |
| 7 years | $547 |
| 9 years | $2,259 |
| 11 years | $3,971 |
| 13 years | $5,683 |
| 15 years | $7,396 |
| 17 years | $9,108 |
| 19 years | $10,820 |
| 21 years | $12,533 |
| 23 years | $14,245 |
| 25 years | $15,957 |
Top Solar Installers in East Pasadena
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in East Pasadena, we've 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 Pasadena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Pasadena
While the average cost of a solar system in East Pasadena is $5,446, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many East Pasadena homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in East Pasadena is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $33,150 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,506 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $56,015 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,677 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,491 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $91,459 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,579 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $115,852 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in East Pasadena, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Pasadena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Pasadena?
The average cost of solar panels in East Pasadena is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in East Pasadena?
A solar panel system isn't free in East Pasadena, 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 can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout East Pasadena, 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.