Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willowbrook, CA (Mar 2023)
- Willowbrook Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $14,443
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willowbrook
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Willowbrook.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Willowbrook generally cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Willowbrook, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Willowbrook based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Willowbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,651 |
| 3 years | $-3,060 |
| 5 years | $-1,469 |
| 7 years | $123 |
| 9 years | $1,714 |
| 11 years | $3,305 |
| 13 years | $4,896 |
| 15 years | $6,487 |
| 17 years | $8,078 |
| 19 years | $9,669 |
| 21 years | $11,260 |
| 23 years | $12,852 |
| 25 years | $14,443 |
Top Solar Installers in Willowbrook
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
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 Willowbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willowbrook
There are several 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Willowbrook, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Willowbrook, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Willowbrook's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $29,961 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $40,254 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $50,699 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $61,298 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $72,049 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $82,953 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $94,010 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $105,220 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Willowbrook, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- 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 the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Willowbrook, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willowbrook?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Willowbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Willowbrook?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Willowbrook?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.