Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indio, CA (2024 Update)

  • Indio Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,474
  • 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 Indio

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Indio.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Indio, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,803 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Indio

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,692
3 years $-3,471
5 years $-1,249
7 years $973
9 years $3,195
11 years $5,416
13 years $7,638
15 years $9,860
17 years $12,082
19 years $14,303
21 years $16,525
23 years $18,747
25 years $20,969

Top Solar Installers in Indio

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Indio

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indio

The cost of installing a solar system in Indio can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Indio, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Indio average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Indio have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $25,174 9.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $33,954 9.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $42,928 9.0 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $52,096 8.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $61,459 8.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $71,016 8.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $80,768 8.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $90,714 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Indio, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before you sign 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 the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 hire.

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 Indio, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indio?

The average cost of solar panels in Indio is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Indio?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Indio, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Indio have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation 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.

What solar power system size is right for 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 household 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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