Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Beach, CA (2024 Update)

  • Long Beach Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,914
  • Payback Period: 8.9 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 Long Beach

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Long Beach.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Long Beach, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Long Beach, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Long Beach, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Long Beach

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,736
3 years $-3,366
5 years $-997
7 years $1,373
9 years $3,742
11 years $6,112
13 years $8,481
15 years $10,851
17 years $13,220
19 years $15,590
21 years $17,959
23 years $20,329
25 years $22,698

Top Solar Installers in Long Beach

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Long Beach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Beach

Although the average cost of a solar system in Long Beach is $6,920, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential 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 installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Long Beach.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Long Beach average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Long Beach homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in 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 know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 $3.61 $15,157 $25,611 9.3 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $34,537 9.1 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $43,657 8.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $52,972 8.8 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $62,481 8.6 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $72,184 8.4 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $82,081 8.2 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $92,173 8.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total 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 keep in mind, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

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 Long Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Beach?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,358.95 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Long Beach?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.

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