Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Monte, CA (2023 Update)
- El Monte Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,323
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Monte
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in El Monte.
The average cost of a solar panel system in El Monte is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,446 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in El Monte, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Monte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,696 |
| 3 years | $-3,194 |
| 5 years | $-1,693 |
| 7 years | $-191 |
| 9 years | $1,310 |
| 11 years | $2,812 |
| 13 years | $4,314 |
| 15 years | $5,815 |
| 17 years | $7,317 |
| 19 years | $8,818 |
| 21 years | $10,320 |
| 23 years | $11,821 |
| 25 years | $13,323 |
Top Solar Installers in El Monte
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in El Monte:
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 El Monte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Monte
The cost of installing a solar system in El Monte can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in El Monte to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in El Monte, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,602 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,109 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,769 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,581 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,546 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,664 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,935 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $97,359 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in El Monte, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 El Monte, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Monte?
The average cost of solar panels in El Monte 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in El Monte?
You can't get solar panels for free in El Monte. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in El Monte?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 how much 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.