Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Pasadena, CA (2023 Update)
- South Pasadena Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $16,700
- Payback Period: 6.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Pasadena
We break down average solar pricing in South Pasadena.
The average cost of a solar panel system in South Pasadena is 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in South Pasadena, 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 higher or lower than the average in South Pasadena based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average South Pasadena homeowner can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in South Pasadena for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Pasadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,200 |
| 3 years | $-1,712 |
| 5 years | $777 |
| 7 years | $3,266 |
| 9 years | $5,754 |
| 11 years | $8,243 |
| 13 years | $10,732 |
| 15 years | $13,220 |
| 17 years | $15,709 |
| 19 years | $18,197 |
| 21 years | $20,686 |
| 23 years | $23,175 |
| 25 years | $25,663 |
Top Solar Installers in South Pasadena
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in South Pasadena, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 South Pasadena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Pasadena
Though the average cost of a solar system in South Pasadena is $5,446, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in South Pasadena, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Pasadena average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Pasadena provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Pasadena is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 | $34,711 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $46,588 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $58,617 | 6.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $70,799 | 6.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $83,134 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $95,621 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $108,262 | 5.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $121,056 | 5.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully 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
EcoWatch's South Pasadena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Pasadena?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Pasadena?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 solar panels."
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.