Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hollywood, CA (2024 Update)

  • West Hollywood Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,924
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hollywood

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Hollywood.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Hollywood, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Hollywood is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,920 for a solar installation, or $9,896 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Hollywood can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West Hollywood

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,578
3 years $-2,894
5 years $-210
7 years $2,474
9 years $5,158
11 years $7,842
13 years $10,526
15 years $13,211
17 years $15,895
19 years $18,579
21 years $21,263
23 years $23,947
25 years $26,631

Top Solar Installers in West Hollywood

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $6,920, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in West Hollywood, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Hollywood, 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

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. West Hollywood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $36,162 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,605 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,242 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,073 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,099 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,319 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,733 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,342 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's West Hollywood, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install 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 $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost 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 want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in West Hollywood?

You can’t get solar panels for free in West Hollywood. However, you may still be able to get 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.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in West Hollywood?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.

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