Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Carson, CA (Mar 2023)
- West Carson Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $15,189
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Carson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West Carson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Carson, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West Carson, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Carson can save around $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Carson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,621 |
| 3 years | $-2,970 |
| 5 years | $-1,319 |
| 7 years | $332 |
| 9 years | $1,982 |
| 11 years | $3,633 |
| 13 years | $5,284 |
| 15 years | $6,935 |
| 17 years | $8,586 |
| 19 years | $10,237 |
| 21 years | $11,887 |
| 23 years | $13,538 |
| 25 years | $15,189 |
Top Solar Installers in West Carson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels 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
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 West Carson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Carson
The cost of installing a solar system in West Carson 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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Carson, 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 installers in West Carson have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Carson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $31,533 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,350 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,320 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,442 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,718 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,146 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,727 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,461 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in West Carson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering 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
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 West Carson, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Carson?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Carson is currently $484,810, so you could be looking at a value of about $19,877 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Carson is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in West Carson?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.