Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Beach, CA (2023 Update)
- Long Beach Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,912
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Beach
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Long Beach.
In Long Beach, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Long Beach homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,446 with the federal tax credit, or $7,788 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Long Beach depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Long Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,672 |
| 3 years | $-3,123 |
| 5 years | $-1,575 |
| 7 years | $-26 |
| 9 years | $1,523 |
| 11 years | $3,071 |
| 13 years | $4,620 |
| 15 years | $6,169 |
| 17 years | $7,717 |
| 19 years | $9,266 |
| 21 years | $10,815 |
| 23 years | $12,363 |
| 25 years | $13,912 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Beach
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Long Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Beach
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, 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 brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Long Beach homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Long Beach, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Long Beach have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $28,844 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,764 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,837 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $59,063 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $69,442 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $79,974 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $90,659 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $101,497 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Long Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Long Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Long Beach is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Long Beach, 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 requires 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.