Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indian Wells, CA (2024 Update)

  • Indian Wells Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,468
  • Payback Period: 9.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indian Wells

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Indian Wells.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Indian Wells generally cost about 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Indian Wells, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,803, or $9,728 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Indian Wells depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Indian Wells see about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Indian Wells

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,619
3 years $-3,249
5 years $-880
7 years $1,490
9 years $3,859
11 years $6,229
13 years $8,598
15 years $10,968
17 years $13,337
19 years $15,707
21 years $18,076
23 years $20,446
25 years $22,815

Top Solar Installers in Indian Wells

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're looking for a solar company in Indian Wells, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Indian Wells

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indian Wells

For many Indian Wells homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Indian Wells, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Indian Wells.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Indian Wells homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to add 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Indian Wells, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $3.61 $15,157 $25,160 9.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $33,935 9.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $42,905 9.0 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $52,069 8.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $61,427 8.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $70,980 8.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $80,727 8.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $90,668 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Indian Wells, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Indian Wells?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,343.90 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.

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