Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palm Springs, CA (2023 Update)
- Palm Springs Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $14,118
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palm Springs
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Palm Springs.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Palm Springs it's 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Palm Springs, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,351, or $7,652 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Palm Springs can save about $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Palm Springs for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Palm Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,572 |
| 3 years | $-3,015 |
| 5 years | $-1,457 |
| 7 years | $100 |
| 9 years | $1,658 |
| 11 years | $3,215 |
| 13 years | $4,773 |
| 15 years | $6,330 |
| 17 years | $7,888 |
| 19 years | $9,445 |
| 21 years | $11,003 |
| 23 years | $12,560 |
| 25 years | $14,118 |
Top Solar Installers in Palm Springs
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palm Springs
While the average cost of a solar system in Palm Springs is $5,351, 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 system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Palm Springs. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Palm Springs have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Palm Springs homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Palm Springs, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $29,780 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $40,013 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $50,399 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $60,937 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $71,628 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $82,472 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $93,469 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $104,619 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palm Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Palm Springs 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Palm Springs?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Palm Springs?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.