Solar Panel Cost Guide in Home Gardens, CA (Mar 2023)
- Home Gardens Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $15,631
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Home Gardens
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Home Gardens.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Home Gardens, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Home Gardens homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Home Gardens depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Home Gardens homeowner can save around $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Home Gardens for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Home Gardens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,512 |
| 3 years | $-2,833 |
| 5 years | $-1,154 |
| 7 years | $524 |
| 9 years | $2,203 |
| 11 years | $3,881 |
| 13 years | $5,560 |
| 15 years | $7,238 |
| 17 years | $8,917 |
| 19 years | $10,595 |
| 21 years | $12,274 |
| 23 years | $13,952 |
| 25 years | $15,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Home Gardens
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel 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 Home Gardens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Home Gardens
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Home Gardens: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,730. 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Home Gardens, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 | $33,022 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,336 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $55,802 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,421 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,192 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $91,117 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,195 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $115,425 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Home Gardens, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Home Gardens?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive 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 cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Home Gardens?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Home Gardens is currently $384,286, so you could be looking at a value of about $15,756 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Home Gardens is a rewarding 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 consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.