Solar Panel Cost Guide in Joshua Tree, CA (2025 Update)
- Joshua Tree Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $13,334
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Joshua Tree
We go over average solar pricing in Joshua Tree.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Joshua Tree generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $6,973 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Joshua Tree can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Joshua Tree, you can click the button below.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Joshua Tree
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Joshua Tree
For many Joshua Tree homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Joshua Tree, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Joshua Tree average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Joshua Tree, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Joshua Tree homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
EcoWatch's Joshua Tree, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Joshua Tree?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Joshua Tree, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Joshua Tree?
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 higher level 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.