Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Riviera, CA (2023 Update)
- La Riviera Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $14,693
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Riviera
We break down average solar pricing in La Riviera.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in La Riviera generally cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in La Riviera is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $8,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in La Riviera depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in La Riviera
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,063 |
| 3 years | $-3,416 |
| 5 years | $-1,770 |
| 7 years | $-124 |
| 9 years | $1,523 |
| 11 years | $3,169 |
| 13 years | $4,815 |
| 15 years | $6,462 |
| 17 years | $8,108 |
| 19 years | $9,754 |
| 21 years | $11,401 |
| 23 years | $13,047 |
| 25 years | $14,693 |
Top Solar Installers in La Riviera
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Riviera
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Riviera
For many La Riviera homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in La Riviera, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the La Riviera average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in La Riviera have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for La Riviera homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. La Riviera's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in La Riviera know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $28,112 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,789 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,618 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,601 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,736 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,024 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,465 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,059 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Riviera, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Riviera?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in La Riviera?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in La Riviera?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in La Riviera?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.