Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hawthorne, CA (2023 Update)
- Hawthorne Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,945
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hawthorne
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Hawthorne.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hawthorne generally cost about 2.73. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Hawthorne, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Hawthorne based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Hawthorne, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hawthorne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,671 |
| 3 years | $-3,119 |
| 5 years | $-1,568 |
| 7 years | $-17 |
| 9 years | $1,534 |
| 11 years | $3,086 |
| 13 years | $4,637 |
| 15 years | $6,188 |
| 17 years | $7,740 |
| 19 years | $9,291 |
| 21 years | $10,842 |
| 23 years | $12,394 |
| 25 years | $13,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Hawthorne
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hawthorne, we've compiled 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Hawthorne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorne
Though the average cost of a solar system in Hawthorne is $5,446, your actual cost may be above or below the average. 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 keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hawthorne have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hawthorne homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Hawthorne's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $28,913 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,856 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,952 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $59,201 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $69,603 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $80,158 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $90,866 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $101,727 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- 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 that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Hawthorne, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hawthorne?
The average cost of solar panels in Hawthorne is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Hawthorne?
A solar panel system isn't free in Hawthorne, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your 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 Hawthorne is currently $535,947, so you can expect a value of about $21,974 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hawthorne is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.