Solar Panel Cost Guide in Inglewood, CA (Mar 2023)

  • Inglewood Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,970
  • Payback Period: 6.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Inglewood

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Inglewood.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Inglewood, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Inglewood is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,446 for a solar installation, or $7,788 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Inglewood homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Inglewood can save around $27,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Inglewood

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,630
3 years $-2,996
5 years $-1,363
7 years $270
9 years $1,903
11 years $3,537
13 years $5,170
15 years $6,803
17 years $8,437
19 years $10,070
21 years $11,703
23 years $13,336
25 years $14,970

Top Solar Installers in Inglewood

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Inglewood, we've put together 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Inglewood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Inglewood

For many Inglewood homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Inglewood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Inglewood homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Inglewood homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Inglewood is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $31,071 6.9 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $41,733 6.8 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $52,549 6.7 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $63,517 6.5 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $74,639 6.4 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $85,913 6.3 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $97,340 6.1 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $108,920 6.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Inglewood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully 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.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Inglewood, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Inglewood?

The average cost of solar panels in Inglewood is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider other than cost 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.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.

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