Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Crescenta Montrose, CA (2023 Update)

  • La Crescenta Montrose Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,670
  • Payback Period: 5.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 La Crescenta Montrose

We break down average solar pricing in La Crescenta Montrose.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in La Crescenta Montrose generally cost around 2.73. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in La Crescenta Montrose, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $32,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in La Crescenta Montrose, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in La Crescenta Montrose

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,482
3 years $-2,552
5 years $-623
7 years $1,306
9 years $3,236
11 years $5,165
13 years $7,094
15 years $9,024
17 years $10,953
19 years $12,882
21 years $14,812
23 years $16,741
25 years $18,670

Top Solar Installers in La Crescenta Montrose

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.

If you're searching for a solar company in La Crescenta Montrose, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in La Crescenta Montrose

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Crescenta Montrose

The cost of installing a solar system in La Crescenta Montrose can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in La Crescenta Montrose. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like La Crescenta Montrose, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in La Crescenta Montrose to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in La Crescenta Montrose is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 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 $38,864 5.9 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $52,124 5.8 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $65,537 5.6 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $79,103 5.5 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $92,822 5.4 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $106,694 5.3 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $120,719 5.2 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $134,896 5.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's La Crescenta Montrose, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Crescenta Montrose?

The average cost of solar panels in La Crescenta Montrose 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of 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?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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