Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Habra, CA (2023 Update)
- La Habra Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $13,265
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Habra
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in La Habra.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in La Habra, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in La Habra, the average price of going solar will be about $5,504 after 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 La Habra homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in La Habra for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in La Habra
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,753 |
| 3 years | $-3,251 |
| 5 years | $-1,750 |
| 7 years | $-248 |
| 9 years | $1,253 |
| 11 years | $2,755 |
| 13 years | $4,256 |
| 15 years | $5,758 |
| 17 years | $7,259 |
| 19 years | $8,761 |
| 21 years | $10,262 |
| 23 years | $11,764 |
| 25 years | $13,265 |
Top Solar Installers in La Habra
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in La Habra
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Habra
For many La Habra homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in La Habra, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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 $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in La Habra, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $27,120 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,466 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $45,965 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,617 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,421 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,379 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $85,489 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $95,752 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's La Habra, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Habra?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in La Habra?
Solar panels aren't free in La Habra, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in La Habra?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.