Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ladera Heights, CA (2023 Update)
- Ladera Heights Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $16,684
- Payback Period: 6.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ladera Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Ladera Heights.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ladera Heights, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ladera Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ladera Heights see about $30,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Ladera Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ladera Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,371 |
| 3 years | $-5,223 |
| 5 years | $-5,076 |
| 7 years | $-4,928 |
| 9 years | $-4,781 |
| 11 years | $-4,633 |
| 13 years | $-4,486 |
| 15 years | $-4,338 |
| 17 years | $-4,191 |
| 19 years | $-4,043 |
| 21 years | $-3,896 |
| 23 years | $-3,748 |
| 25 years | $-3,600 |
Top Solar Installers in Ladera Heights
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Ladera Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ladera Heights
Although the average cost of a solar system in Ladera Heights is $5,446, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 Ladera Heights. 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 often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons 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 Ladera Heights 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 greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Ladera Heights, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different 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 prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $34,678 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $46,543 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $58,561 | 6.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $70,731 | 6.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $83,055 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $95,532 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $108,161 | 5.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $120,943 | 5.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully 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: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing 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 secure and how long the project will take.
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 Ladera Heights, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ladera Heights?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ladera Heights?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ladera Heights. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Does Ladera Heights have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.