Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sierra Madre, CA (2024 Update)
- Sierra Madre Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $15,959
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sierra Madre
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sierra Madre.
The average cost of a solar system in Sierra Madre is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sierra Madre, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Sierra Madre based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $29,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sierra Madre find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sierra Madre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Sierra Madre
DIY 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. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Sierra Madre:
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 Sierra Madre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sierra Madre
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Sierra Madre: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sierra Madre average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Sierra Madre homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Sierra Madre, and each can charge different amounts 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $29,918 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,279 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $50,835 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $61,585 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $72,529 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $83,668 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $95,001 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $106,528 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Sierra Madre, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sierra Madre?
The average cost of solar panels in Sierra Madre is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sierra Madre?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.