Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hollywood, CA (2023 Update)
- West Hollywood Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $18,924
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hollywood
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Hollywood.
In West Hollywood, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Hollywood, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Hollywood homeowner. 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. Even with the large upfront cost, the average West Hollywood homeowner can save around $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in West Hollywood for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Hollywood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,102 |
| 3 years | $-1,418 |
| 5 years | $1,266 |
| 7 years | $3,950 |
| 9 years | $6,634 |
| 11 years | $9,318 |
| 13 years | $12,002 |
| 15 years | $14,686 |
| 17 years | $17,370 |
| 19 years | $20,055 |
| 21 years | $22,739 |
| 23 years | $25,423 |
| 25 years | $28,107 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hollywood
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 West Hollywood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hollywood
For many West Hollywood homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Hollywood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. West Hollywood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $39,395 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,832 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,422 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,165 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,061 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,110 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,311 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,666 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. 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
EcoWatch's West Hollywood, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Hollywood?
The average cost of solar panels in West Hollywood 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Hollywood?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Hollywood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 cover 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.