Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Palma, CA (2024 Update)
- La Palma Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $13,257
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Palma
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in La Palma.
The average cost of a solar system in La Palma is 3 per watt.Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in La Palma, the average price of going solar will be about $7,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average La Palma homeowner can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in La Palma, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Palma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,821 |
| 3 years | $-3,451 |
| 5 years | $-1,082 |
| 7 years | $1,288 |
| 9 years | $3,657 |
| 11 years | $6,027 |
| 13 years | $8,396 |
| 15 years | $10,766 |
| 17 years | $13,135 |
| 19 years | $15,505 |
| 21 years | $17,874 |
| 23 years | $20,244 |
| 25 years | $22,613 |
Top Solar Installers in La Palma
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
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:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in La Palma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Palma
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in La Palma: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in La Palma.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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in La Palma to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in La Palma is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. 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 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $23,888 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,239 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $40,785 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,525 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,459 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $67,588 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $76,911 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $86,428 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- 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.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's La Palma, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Palma?
The average cost of solar panels in La Palma 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 like 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?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in La Palma is currently $1,058,086, which means you could be looking at a value of about $43,382 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in La Palma is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.