Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Mirage, CA (2023 Update)
- Rancho Mirage Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,470
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Mirage
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rancho Mirage.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rancho Mirage it's 2.73 per watt. The average Rancho Mirage homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Rancho Mirage based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rancho Mirage see about $26,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Rancho Mirage, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Mirage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,598 |
| 3 years | $-3,092 |
| 5 years | $-1,587 |
| 7 years | $-81 |
| 9 years | $1,425 |
| 11 years | $2,930 |
| 13 years | $4,436 |
| 15 years | $5,942 |
| 17 years | $7,447 |
| 19 years | $8,953 |
| 21 years | $10,458 |
| 23 years | $11,964 |
| 25 years | $13,470 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Mirage
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Rancho Mirage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Mirage
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Rancho Mirage average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Rancho Mirage homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Rancho Mirage, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $28,392 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,162 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,085 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,161 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,389 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,770 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,305 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,992 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Rancho Mirage, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Rancho Mirage, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Mirage?
The average cost of solar panels in Rancho Mirage 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,343.90 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Rancho Mirage?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.