Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Gate, CA (2023 Update)

  • South Gate Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,323
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Gate

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in South Gate.

In South Gate, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in South Gate is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,446 for a solar installation, or $7,788 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Gate homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in South Gate for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in South Gate

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 Gate

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're looking for a solar installer in South Gate, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in South Gate

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Gate

For many South Gate homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Gate, 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

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for South Gate homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in South Gate, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's South Gate, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Gate?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in South Gate?

You can't get solar panels for free in South Gate. However, you may still be able to install 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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