Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Quinta, CA (2024 Update)
- La Quinta Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $15,230
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated February 03, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Quinta
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in La Quinta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in La Quinta, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in La Quinta, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,803, or $9,728 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in La Quinta can save around $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in La Quinta
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-5,745 |
3 years | $-3,629 |
5 years | $-1,513 |
7 years | $603 |
9 years | $2,719 |
11 years | $4,835 |
13 years | $6,951 |
15 years | $9,067 |
17 years | $11,183 |
19 years | $13,299 |
21 years | $15,415 |
23 years | $17,531 |
25 years | $19,647 |
Top Solar Installers in La Quinta
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Quinta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Quinta
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in La Quinta, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like La Quinta, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in La Quinta, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in La Quinta is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, 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 installation 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 generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $28,933 | 8.6 years |
8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,967 | 8.4 years |
10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,194 | 8.3 years |
12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $59,616 | 8.1 years |
14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $70,232 | 7.9 years |
16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $81,042 | 7.8 years |
18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $92,047 | 7.6 years |
20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $103,246 | 7.4 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, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Quinta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Quinta?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in La Quinta?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in La Quinta?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in La Quinta?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.