Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ladera Heights, CA (2024 Update)

  • Ladera Heights Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,684
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ladera Heights

See how much it might cost to go solar in Ladera Heights.

In Ladera Heights, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ladera Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ladera Heights homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Ladera Heights homeowner can save about $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Ladera Heights for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Ladera Heights

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,631
3 years$-3,051
5 years$-472
7 years$2,107
9 years$4,686
11 years$7,266
13 years$9,845
15 years$12,424
17 years$15,003
19 years$17,582
21 years$20,162
23 years$22,741
25 years$25,320

Top Solar Installers in Ladera Heights

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Ladera Heights, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Ladera Heights

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ladera Heights

While the average cost of a solar system in Ladera Heights is $6,920, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Ladera Heights, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ladera Heights, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Ladera Heights homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Ladera Heights’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$31,4458.1 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$42,3168.0 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$53,3817.8 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$64,6407.7 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$76,0937.5 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$87,7417.3 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$99,5837.2 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$111,6197.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Ladera Heights, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ladera Heights?

The average cost of solar panels in Ladera Heights is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Ladera Heights?

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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.