Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hawthorne, CA (2024 Update)
- Hawthorne Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,947
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hawthorne
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hawthorne.
The average cost of a solar system in Hawthorne is 3 per watt.The average Hawthorne homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Hawthorne homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hawthorne
| 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 Hawthorne
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Hawthorne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorne
For many Hawthorne homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hawthorne, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hawthorne, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hawthorne, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $25,680 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $34,629 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $43,772 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $53,110 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $62,641 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $72,367 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $82,288 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $92,403 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Hawthorne, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hawthorne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hawthorne?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Hawthorne have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Hawthorne?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.