Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hollywood, CA (Mar 2023)
- West Hollywood Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $18,922
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hollywood
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Hollywood.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Hollywood generally cost around 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,446 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Hollywood based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average West Hollywood homeowner can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in West Hollywood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Hollywood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,472 |
| 3 years | $-2,522 |
| 5 years | $-573 |
| 7 years | $1,377 |
| 9 years | $3,326 |
| 11 years | $5,276 |
| 13 years | $7,225 |
| 15 years | $9,175 |
| 17 years | $11,124 |
| 19 years | $13,074 |
| 21 years | $15,023 |
| 23 years | $16,973 |
| 25 years | $18,922 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hollywood
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in West Hollywood, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hollywood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hollywood
Even though the average cost of a solar system in West Hollywood is $5,446, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, 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 costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Hollywood, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. West Hollywood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $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 a large number of companies to choose from in West Hollywood, 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:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Hollywood, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Hollywood?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly 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 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 West Hollywood is currently $1,120,536, so you can expect a value of about $45,942 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Hollywood is a fruitful 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 buy 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.