Solar Panel Cost Guide in California, MO (2024 Update)
- California Solar Installation Cost: $17,000
- 25-Year Savings: $19,550
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in California
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in California.
In California, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in California is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,000 for a solar installation, or $24,310 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in California depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in California can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in California, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in California
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,710 |
| 3 years | $-13,129 |
| 5 years | $-10,548 |
| 7 years | $-7,966 |
| 9 years | $-5,385 |
| 11 years | $-2,804 |
| 13 years | $-223 |
| 15 years | $2,358 |
| 17 years | $4,939 |
| 19 years | $7,520 |
| 21 years | $10,102 |
| 23 years | $12,683 |
| 25 years | $15,264 |
Top Solar Installers in California
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 California
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in California
The cost of installing a solar system in California 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in California, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels 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 California average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in California to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in California, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.50 | $14,720 | $12,435 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $16,957 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $21,668 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $26,568 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $31,656 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $36,933 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $42,399 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $48,054 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with 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 can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 California, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in California?
The average cost of solar panels in California is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in California?
You can’t get solar panels for free in California. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.