Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wrightwood, CA (2024 Update)

  • Wrightwood Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,283
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Wrightwood

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Wrightwood.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wrightwood it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Wrightwood, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,973, or $9,971 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wrightwood find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Wrightwood

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,788
3 years$-3,419
5 years$-1,049
7 years$1,320
9 years$3,690
11 years$6,059
13 years$8,429
15 years$10,798
17 years$13,168
19 years$15,537
21 years$17,907
23 years$20,276
25 years$22,646

Top Solar Installers in Wrightwood

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Wrightwood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wrightwood

The cost of installing a solar system in Wrightwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have 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 $3,470.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wrightwood, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wrightwood to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Wrightwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Wrightwood know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$24,0719.7 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$32,4839.5 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$41,0909.3 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$49,8919.1 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$58,8868.9 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$68,0768.7 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$77,4598.5 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$87,0388.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Wrightwood, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wrightwood?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Wrightwood?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Wrightwood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Does Wrightwood have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.