Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mojave, CA (Mar 2023)
- Mojave Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $13,227
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mojave
We break down average solar pricing in Mojave.
In Mojave, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Mojave homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,542 with the federal tax credit, or $7,925 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mojave find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Mojave that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mojave
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,791 |
| 3 years | $-3,290 |
| 5 years | $-1,788 |
| 7 years | $-287 |
| 9 years | $1,215 |
| 11 years | $2,716 |
| 13 years | $4,218 |
| 15 years | $5,720 |
| 17 years | $7,221 |
| 19 years | $8,723 |
| 21 years | $10,224 |
| 23 years | $11,726 |
| 25 years | $13,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Mojave
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Mojave
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mojave
The cost of installing a solar system in Mojave can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Mojave. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mojave average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mojave, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Mojave's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $26,946 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,233 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $45,674 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,267 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,014 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $74,913 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $84,965 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $95,170 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Mojave, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mojave?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mojave?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.