Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Terrace, CA (2023 Update)
- Grand Terrace Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $16,421
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Terrace
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Grand Terrace.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grand Terrace it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Grand Terrace, the average price of going solar will be about $5,485 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Grand Terrace see about $29,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grand Terrace
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,301 |
| 3 years | $-1,932 |
| 5 years | $438 |
| 7 years | $2,807 |
| 9 years | $5,177 |
| 11 years | $7,546 |
| 13 years | $9,916 |
| 15 years | $12,285 |
| 17 years | $14,655 |
| 19 years | $17,024 |
| 21 years | $19,394 |
| 23 years | $21,763 |
| 25 years | $24,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Terrace
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Grand Terrace, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Grand Terrace
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Terrace
For many Grand Terrace homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Grand Terrace, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Grand Terrace, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Grand Terrace, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $33,861 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $45,454 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $57,200 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $69,099 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $81,150 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $93,355 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $105,712 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $118,222 | 5.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Grand Terrace, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Terrace?
The average cost of solar panels in Grand Terrace 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Grand Terrace is currently $275,677, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,303 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Grand Terrace is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.