Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tehachapi, CA (2023 Update)
- Tehachapi Solar Installation Cost: $5,536
- 25-Year Savings: $17,014
- Payback Period: 6.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tehachapi
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Tehachapi.
In Tehachapi, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Tehachapi, the average price of going solar will be about $5,542 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Tehachapi based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Tehachapi can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer 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 | $-4,175 |
| 3 years | $-1,453 |
| 5 years | $1,270 |
| 7 years | $3,993 |
| 9 years | $6,715 |
| 11 years | $9,438 |
| 13 years | $12,161 |
| 15 years | $14,883 |
| 17 years | $17,606 |
| 19 years | $20,329 |
| 21 years | $23,051 |
| 23 years | $25,774 |
| 25 years | $28,497 |
Top Solar Installers in Tehachapi
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Tehachapi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tehachapi
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tehachapi: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tehachapi, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $34,776 | 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
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from 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
EcoWatch's Tehachapi, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tehachapi?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tehachapi?
You can't get solar panels for free in Tehachapi. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Tehachapi have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.