Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardena, CA (2024 Update)

  • Gardena Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,724
  • Payback Period: 8.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardena

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gardena.

In Gardena, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Gardena, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Gardena can save about $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Gardena

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 Gardena

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Gardena

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardena

For many Gardena homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gardena, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Gardena have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Gardena, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Gardena know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $27,318 8.9 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $36,813 8.7 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $46,502 8.6 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $56,385 8.4 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $66,463 8.2 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $76,735 8.1 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $87,201 7.9 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $97,862 7.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Gardena, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardena?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Gardena?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Gardena, 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.

Does Gardena have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 higher 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.

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