Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indio, CA (2023 Update)
- Indio Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $13,474
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indio
We break down average solar pricing in Indio.
The average cost of a solar system in Indio is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Indio 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Indio homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Indio
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,242 |
| 3 years | $-2,020 |
| 5 years | $202 |
| 7 years | $2,424 |
| 9 years | $4,645 |
| 11 years | $6,867 |
| 13 years | $9,089 |
| 15 years | $11,311 |
| 17 years | $13,533 |
| 19 years | $15,754 |
| 21 years | $17,976 |
| 23 years | $20,198 |
| 25 years | $22,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Indio
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Indio
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indio
Although the average cost of a solar system in Indio is $5,351, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Indio is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Indio have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $28,406 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,181 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,108 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,188 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,421 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,807 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,346 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $100,038 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Indio, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indio?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Indio?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces 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.
How long do solar panels last in Indio?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.