Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pasadena, TX (2023 Update)
- Pasadena Solar Installation Cost: $14,395
- 25-Year Savings: $22,793
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pasadena
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Pasadena.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pasadena it's 2.69 per watt. Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Pasadena, the average price of going solar will be about $14,386 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Pasadena homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pasadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,974 |
| 3 years | $-10,132 |
| 5 years | $-7,290 |
| 7 years | $-4,447 |
| 9 years | $-1,605 |
| 11 years | $1,237 |
| 13 years | $4,079 |
| 15 years | $6,921 |
| 17 years | $9,763 |
| 19 years | $12,605 |
| 21 years | $15,448 |
| 23 years | $18,290 |
| 25 years | $21,132 |
Top Solar Installers in Pasadena
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Pasadena, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Pasadena is $14,386, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Pasadena, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Pasadena average.
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 paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Pasadena homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pasadena?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Pasadena?
Solar panels aren't free in Pasadena, 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 further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Pasadena?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.