Solar Panel Cost Guide in North El Monte, CA (2023 Update)
- North El Monte Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $14,903
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North El Monte
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in North El Monte.
In North El Monte, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in North El Monte, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in North El Monte see about $27,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in North El Monte, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North El Monte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,632 |
| 3 years | $-3,004 |
| 5 years | $-1,376 |
| 7 years | $252 |
| 9 years | $1,880 |
| 11 years | $3,508 |
| 13 years | $5,136 |
| 15 years | $6,764 |
| 17 years | $8,391 |
| 19 years | $10,019 |
| 21 years | $11,647 |
| 23 years | $13,275 |
| 25 years | $14,903 |
Top Solar Installers in North El Monte
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 North El Monte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North El Monte
Although the average cost of a solar system in North El Monte is $5,446, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in North El Monte, one of the most crucial 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 overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for North El Monte homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in North El Monte, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $30,931 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,547 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $52,316 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $63,238 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $74,313 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $85,541 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $96,921 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $108,455 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification 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: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 North El Monte, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North El Monte?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North El Monte?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout North El Monte, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.