Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pasadena, TX (Mar 2023)
- Pasadena Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $22,802
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pasadena
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Pasadena.
The average cost of solar panels in Pasadena is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Pasadena is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,386 for a solar installation, or $20,572 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Pasadena homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pasadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,899 |
| 3 years | $-9,924 |
| 5 years | $-6,949 |
| 7 years | $-3,974 |
| 9 years | $-999 |
| 11 years | $1,976 |
| 13 years | $4,952 |
| 15 years | $7,927 |
| 17 years | $10,902 |
| 19 years | $13,877 |
| 21 years | $16,852 |
| 23 years | $19,827 |
| 25 years | $22,802 |
Top Solar Installers in Pasadena
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Pasadena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pasadena
For many Pasadena homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pasadena, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Pasadena. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Pasadena homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
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 Pasadena, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pasadena have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,437 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,551 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,815 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,230 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,795 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,512 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,378 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,396 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Pasadena, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pasadena?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Pasadena?
A solar panel system isn't free in Pasadena, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pasadena, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Pasadena?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.