Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tehachapi, CA (2024 Update)
- Tehachapi Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $17,014
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tehachapi
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Tehachapi.
In Tehachapi, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Tehachapi, the average price of going solar will be about $7,037 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $30,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Tehachapi that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tehachapi
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,676 |
| 3 years | $-2,953 |
| 5 years | $-231 |
| 7 years | $2,492 |
| 9 years | $5,215 |
| 11 years | $7,937 |
| 13 years | $10,660 |
| 15 years | $13,383 |
| 17 years | $16,105 |
| 19 years | $18,828 |
| 21 years | $21,551 |
| 23 years | $24,273 |
| 25 years | $26,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Tehachapi
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Tehachapi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tehachapi
For many Tehachapi homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tehachapi, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
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 important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Tehachapi, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Tehachapi, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $31,544 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,447 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $53,544 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $64,836 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $76,322 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $88,003 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $99,877 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $111,947 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Tehachapi, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tehachapi?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Tehachapi is currently $403,717, so you can look forward to a value of about $16,552 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tehachapi is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.