Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westmont, CA (2023 Update)
- Westmont 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 Westmont
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Westmont.
The average cost of solar panels in Westmont is 2.73 per watt. The average Westmont homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,446 with the federal tax credit, or $7,788 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Westmont homeowner. The cost 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. With average savings of about $28,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westmont find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Westmont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westmont
| 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 Westmont
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Westmont, 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 Westmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westmont
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Westmont average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Westmont have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Westmont, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 | $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 a lot of 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:
- Contract: When reading over 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Westmont, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westmont?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump 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 your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.