Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgecrest, CA (2023 Update)
- Ridgecrest Solar Installation Cost: $5,536
- 25-Year Savings: $13,233
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgecrest
We go over average solar pricing in Ridgecrest.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ridgecrest generally cost around 2.73. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ridgecrest, the average price of going solar will be about $5,542 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ridgecrest see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Ridgecrest, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ridgecrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,474 |
| 3 years | $-5,349 |
| 5 years | $-5,224 |
| 7 years | $-5,099 |
| 9 years | $-4,973 |
| 11 years | $-4,848 |
| 13 years | $-4,723 |
| 15 years | $-4,598 |
| 17 years | $-4,473 |
| 19 years | $-4,348 |
| 21 years | $-4,223 |
| 23 years | $-4,098 |
| 25 years | $-3,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgecrest
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
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 near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Ridgecrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgecrest
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ridgecrest is $5,542, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ridgecrest, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor 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
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Ridgecrest's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $26,946 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,233 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $45,674 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,267 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,014 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $74,913 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $84,965 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $95,170 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Ridgecrest, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ridgecrest?
The average cost of solar panels in Ridgecrest 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Ridgecrest?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.