Solar Panel Cost Guide in Joshua Tree, CA (Jan 2023)
- Joshua Tree Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $13,336
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Joshua Tree
We break down average solar pricing in Joshua Tree.
In Joshua Tree, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Joshua Tree, the average price of going solar will be about $5,485 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Joshua Tree homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Joshua Tree can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Joshua Tree
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,732 |
| 3 years | $-3,226 |
| 5 years | $-1,720 |
| 7 years | $-215 |
| 9 years | $1,291 |
| 11 years | $2,796 |
| 13 years | $4,302 |
| 15 years | $5,808 |
| 17 years | $7,313 |
| 19 years | $8,819 |
| 21 years | $10,325 |
| 23 years | $11,830 |
| 25 years | $13,336 |
Top Solar Installers in Joshua Tree
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Joshua Tree
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Joshua Tree
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Joshua Tree offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Joshua Tree is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,411 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,853 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,449 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,197 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,098 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,152 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,359 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $96,719 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Joshua Tree, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 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 $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type 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 factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Joshua Tree?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 after having 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.