Solar Panel Cost Guide in Joshua Tree, CA (2023 Update)
- Joshua Tree Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $13,334
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Joshua Tree
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Joshua Tree.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Joshua Tree typically cost about 2.73. The average Joshua Tree homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,485 with the federal tax credit, or $7,844 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Joshua Tree 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. With average savings of about $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Joshua Tree find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Joshua Tree
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,423 |
| 3 years | $-5,298 |
| 5 years | $-5,172 |
| 7 years | $-5,047 |
| 9 years | $-4,921 |
| 11 years | $-4,796 |
| 13 years | $-4,671 |
| 15 years | $-4,545 |
| 17 years | $-4,420 |
| 19 years | $-4,294 |
| 21 years | $-4,169 |
| 23 years | $-4,043 |
| 25 years | $-3,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Joshua Tree
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Joshua Tree
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Joshua Tree
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority 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 pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Joshua Tree 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Joshua Tree, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Joshua Tree, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Joshua Tree?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.