Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whittier, CA (2024 Update)
- Whittier Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whittier
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Whittier.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whittier it’s 3 per watt.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Whittier, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind 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 equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Whittier homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Whittier, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whittier
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Whittier
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Whittier
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whittier
Although the average cost of a solar system in Whittier is $6,920, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Whittier average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Whittier, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Whittier, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying 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 prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $24,370 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,882 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,589 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,489 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,584 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,874 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $78,357 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $88,035 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking 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.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Whittier, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Whittier?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,317.57 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.