Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walnut, CA (2023 Update)
- Walnut Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,323
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walnut
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Walnut.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Walnut it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Walnut, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Walnut homeowners. The price 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. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walnut
| 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 Walnut
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 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 Walnut
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walnut
There are several criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Walnut. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Walnut, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar companies in Walnut provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Walnut is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Walnut are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Walnut, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walnut?
The average cost of solar panels in Walnut is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost 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 going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.