Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palm Desert, CA (2023 Update)
- Palm Desert Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,449
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palm Desert
We break down average solar pricing in Palm Desert.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Palm Desert, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $5,351 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Palm Desert homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Palm Desert homeowner can save about $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Palm Desert, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palm Desert
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,599 |
| 3 years | $-3,095 |
| 5 years | $-1,591 |
| 7 years | $-87 |
| 9 years | $1,417 |
| 11 years | $2,921 |
| 13 years | $4,425 |
| 15 years | $5,929 |
| 17 years | $7,433 |
| 19 years | $8,937 |
| 21 years | $10,441 |
| 23 years | $11,945 |
| 25 years | $13,449 |
Top Solar Installers in Palm Desert
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 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 Palm Desert
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palm Desert
While the average cost of a solar system in Palm Desert is $5,351, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Palm Desert, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall 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 changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Palm Desert's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 | $28,348 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,104 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,012 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,073 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,286 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,653 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,173 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,845 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Palm Desert, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Palm Desert, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palm Desert?
The average cost of solar panels in Palm Desert is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Palm Desert?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Palm Desert?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.