Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardena, CA (Mar 2023)
- Gardena Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $14,723
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardena
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gardena.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gardena generally cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Gardena, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Gardena homeowner can save about $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Gardena for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gardena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,640 |
| 3 years | $-3,026 |
| 5 years | $-1,413 |
| 7 years | $201 |
| 9 years | $1,814 |
| 11 years | $3,428 |
| 13 years | $5,042 |
| 15 years | $6,655 |
| 17 years | $8,269 |
| 19 years | $9,882 |
| 21 years | $11,496 |
| 23 years | $13,109 |
| 25 years | $14,723 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardena
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Gardena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardena
Though the average cost of a solar system in Gardena is $5,446, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gardena, 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
Most solar installers in Gardena have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gardena is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $30,551 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,040 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $51,682 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $62,477 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $73,425 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $84,526 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $95,779 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $107,186 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Gardena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardena?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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 efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gardena?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Gardena have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.