Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Quinta, CA (Mar 2023)
- La Quinta Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $15,231
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Quinta
We go over average solar pricing in La Quinta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in La Quinta, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $5,351 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $28,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in La Quinta find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Quinta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,528 |
| 3 years | $-2,881 |
| 5 years | $-1,234 |
| 7 years | $412 |
| 9 years | $2,059 |
| 11 years | $3,705 |
| 13 years | $5,352 |
| 15 years | $6,998 |
| 17 years | $8,645 |
| 19 years | $10,292 |
| 21 years | $11,938 |
| 23 years | $13,585 |
| 25 years | $15,231 |
Top Solar Installers in La Quinta
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in La Quinta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Quinta
For many La Quinta homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in La Quinta, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in La Quinta. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. La Quinta's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $32,166 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,193 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,374 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $65,707 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,194 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $88,833 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $100,625 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $112,570 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's La Quinta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Quinta?
The average cost of solar panels in La Quinta is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in La Quinta?
You can't get solar panels for free in La Quinta. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in La Quinta is currently $320,234, which means you can look forward to a value of about $13,130 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in La Quinta is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in La Quinta?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.