Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indian Wells, CA (2023 Update)
- Indian Wells Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $13,468
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indian Wells
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Indian Wells.
In Indian Wells, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Indian Wells is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,351 for a solar installation, or $7,652 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Indian Wells homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $26,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Indian Wells find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Indian Wells
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,290 |
| 3 years | $-5,164 |
| 5 years | $-5,039 |
| 7 years | $-4,913 |
| 9 years | $-4,788 |
| 11 years | $-4,662 |
| 13 years | $-4,537 |
| 15 years | $-4,411 |
| 17 years | $-4,286 |
| 19 years | $-4,161 |
| 21 years | $-4,035 |
| 23 years | $-3,910 |
| 25 years | $-3,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Indian Wells
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Indian Wells
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indian Wells
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Indian Wells to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Indian Wells homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across 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 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $28,392 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,162 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,085 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,161 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,389 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,770 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,305 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,992 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Indian Wells, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Indian Wells?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Indian Wells?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.