Solar Panel Cost Guide in South El Monte, CA (Mar 2023)
- South El Monte Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,323
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South El Monte
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in South El Monte.
The average cost of a solar system in South El Monte is 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in South El Monte, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in South El Monte depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $25,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South El Monte find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South El Monte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,696 |
| 3 years | $-3,194 |
| 5 years | $-1,693 |
| 7 years | $-191 |
| 9 years | $1,310 |
| 11 years | $2,812 |
| 13 years | $4,314 |
| 15 years | $5,815 |
| 17 years | $7,317 |
| 19 years | $8,818 |
| 21 years | $10,320 |
| 23 years | $11,821 |
| 25 years | $13,323 |
Top Solar Installers in South El Monte
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company 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 South El Monte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South El Monte
For many South El Monte homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South El Monte, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South El Monte to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for South El Monte homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in South El Monte is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 South El Monte, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South El Monte?
The average cost of solar panels in South El Monte is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in South El Monte?
You can't get solar panels for free in South El Monte. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in South El Monte?
Even though 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 choose 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.