Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salton City, CA (2023 Update)
- Salton City Solar Installation Cost: $5,313
- 25-Year Savings: $15,787
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salton City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Salton City.
In Salton City, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Salton City, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,313, or $7,598 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 use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Salton City can save around $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salton City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,469 |
| 3 years | $-2,781 |
| 5 years | $-1,093 |
| 7 years | $595 |
| 9 years | $2,283 |
| 11 years | $3,971 |
| 13 years | $5,659 |
| 15 years | $7,347 |
| 17 years | $9,035 |
| 19 years | $10,723 |
| 21 years | $12,411 |
| 23 years | $14,099 |
| 25 years | $15,787 |
Top Solar Installers in Salton City
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Salton City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salton City
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Salton City. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Salton City, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Salton City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $33,667 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $45,196 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $56,877 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $68,711 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $80,697 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $92,837 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $105,130 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $117,575 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about 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 Salton City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salton City?
The average cost of solar panels in Salton City 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Salton City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Salton City. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.