Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgecrest, CA (2024 Update)
- Ridgecrest Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $13,233
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgecrest
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ridgecrest.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ridgecrest generally cost about 3.Because 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 $7,037 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Ridgecrest based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ridgecrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,852 |
| 3 years | $-3,483 |
| 5 years | $-1,113 |
| 7 years | $1,256 |
| 9 years | $3,626 |
| 11 years | $5,995 |
| 13 years | $8,365 |
| 15 years | $10,734 |
| 17 years | $13,104 |
| 19 years | $15,473 |
| 21 years | $17,843 |
| 23 years | $20,212 |
| 25 years | $22,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgecrest
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ridgecrest, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Ridgecrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgecrest
For many Ridgecrest homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ridgecrest, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ridgecrest, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Ridgecrest, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $23,713 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,006 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $40,494 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,176 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,052 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $67,122 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $76,387 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $85,846 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Ridgecrest, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ridgecrest?
The average cost of solar panels in Ridgecrest is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 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.
Are solar panels free in Ridgecrest?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Ridgecrest, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ridgecrest?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce 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.