Solar Panel Cost Guide in Signal Hill, CA (2023 Update)
- Signal Hill Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Signal Hill
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Signal Hill.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Signal Hill is 2.73 per watt. The average Signal Hill homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,446 with the federal tax credit, or $7,788 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Signal Hill can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Signal Hill for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Signal Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,382 |
| 3 years | $-5,257 |
| 5 years | $-5,132 |
| 7 years | $-5,007 |
| 9 years | $-4,881 |
| 11 years | $-4,756 |
| 13 years | $-4,631 |
| 15 years | $-4,506 |
| 17 years | $-4,381 |
| 19 years | $-4,256 |
| 21 years | $-4,131 |
| 23 years | $-4,006 |
| 25 years | $-3,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Signal Hill
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in Signal Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Signal Hill
For many Signal Hill homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Signal Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Signal Hill, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Signal Hill homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Signal Hill, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Signal Hill know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $27,602 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,109 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,769 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,581 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,546 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,664 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,935 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $97,359 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Signal Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Signal Hill, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Signal Hill?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Signal Hill?
A solar panel system isn't free in Signal Hill, 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 further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Signal Hill, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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.