Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tehachapi, CA (Mar 2023)
- Tehachapi Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $17,008
- Payback Period: 6.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tehachapi
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tehachapi.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tehachapi, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Tehachapi, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,542, or $7,925 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $30,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tehachapi find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Tehachapi, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tehachapi
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,640 |
| 3 years | $-2,836 |
| 5 years | $-1,032 |
| 7 years | $772 |
| 9 years | $2,576 |
| 11 years | $4,380 |
| 13 years | $6,184 |
| 15 years | $7,988 |
| 17 years | $9,792 |
| 19 years | $11,596 |
| 21 years | $13,400 |
| 23 years | $15,204 |
| 25 years | $17,008 |
Top Solar Installers in Tehachapi
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Tehachapi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tehachapi
The cost of installing a solar system in Tehachapi can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $34,776 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $46,674 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $58,724 | 6.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $70,928 | 6.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $83,284 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $95,793 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $108,456 | 5.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $121,271 | 5.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Tehachapi, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tehachapi?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.