Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Quinta, CA (2023 Update)
- La Quinta Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $15,230
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Quinta
We break down average solar pricing in La Quinta.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in La Quinta generally cost around 2.73. The average La Quinta homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in La Quinta can save around $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in La Quinta, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Quinta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,284 |
| 3 years | $-5,147 |
| 5 years | $-5,009 |
| 7 years | $-4,872 |
| 9 years | $-4,735 |
| 11 years | $-4,598 |
| 13 years | $-4,461 |
| 15 years | $-4,323 |
| 17 years | $-4,186 |
| 19 years | $-4,049 |
| 21 years | $-3,912 |
| 23 years | $-3,774 |
| 25 years | $-3,637 |
Top Solar Installers in La Quinta
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in La Quinta, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in La Quinta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Quinta
Though the average cost of a solar system in La Quinta is $5,351, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in La Quinta, one of the most important 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in La Quinta, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly 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. 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's La Quinta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Quinta?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in La Quinta?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout La Quinta, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 uses 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.