Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montclair, CA (2023 Update)
- Montclair Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $13,284
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montclair
We go over average solar pricing in Montclair.
In Montclair, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Montclair, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,485, or $7,844 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Montclair homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montclair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,734 |
| 3 years | $-3,232 |
| 5 years | $-1,731 |
| 7 years | $-229 |
| 9 years | $1,272 |
| 11 years | $2,774 |
| 13 years | $4,275 |
| 15 years | $5,777 |
| 17 years | $7,278 |
| 19 years | $8,780 |
| 21 years | $10,281 |
| 23 years | $11,783 |
| 25 years | $13,284 |
Top Solar Installers in Montclair
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Montclair, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Montclair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montclair
The cost of installing a solar system in Montclair can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Montclair, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Montclair provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Montclair is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $27,303 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,710 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,270 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,982 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,848 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,866 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,038 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $96,362 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
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 Montclair, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montclair?
The average cost of solar panels in Montclair 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Montclair?
You can't get solar panels for free in Montclair. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Montclair is currently $371,288, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,223 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Montclair is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.