Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgecrest, CA (Mar 2023)
- Ridgecrest Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $13,227
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgecrest
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ridgecrest.
In Ridgecrest, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Ridgecrest homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,542 with the federal tax credit, or $7,925 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Ridgecrest homeowner can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ridgecrest for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ridgecrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,791 |
| 3 years | $-3,290 |
| 5 years | $-1,788 |
| 7 years | $-287 |
| 9 years | $1,215 |
| 11 years | $2,716 |
| 13 years | $4,218 |
| 15 years | $5,720 |
| 17 years | $7,221 |
| 19 years | $8,723 |
| 21 years | $10,224 |
| 23 years | $11,726 |
| 25 years | $13,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgecrest
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ridgecrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgecrest
The cost of installing a solar system in Ridgecrest can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand and kind 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 often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ridgecrest homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ridgecrest, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Ridgecrest, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ridgecrest, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ridgecrest?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 decide 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.