Solar Panel Cost Guide in Joshua Tree, CA (2024 Update)

  • Joshua Tree Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,334
  • Payback Period: 9.3 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 Joshua Tree

We go over average solar pricing in Joshua Tree.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Joshua Tree it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $6,973 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Joshua Tree based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Joshua Tree can save about $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Joshua Tree that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Joshua Tree

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,788
3 years $-3,419
5 years $-1,049
7 years $1,320
9 years $3,690
11 years $6,059
13 years $8,429
15 years $10,798
17 years $13,168
19 years $15,537
21 years $17,907
23 years $20,276
25 years $22,646

Top Solar Installers in Joshua Tree

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Joshua Tree

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Joshua Tree

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Joshua Tree: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Joshua Tree, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Joshua Tree homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Joshua Tree, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 $24,178 9.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,626 9.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,269 9.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $50,105 9.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $59,136 8.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,362 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $77,781 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $87,395 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: 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 what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Joshua Tree, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Joshua Tree?

The average cost of solar panels in Joshua Tree 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Joshua Tree?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

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 $1,311.17 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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