Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coachella, CA (2024 Update)
- Coachella Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $15,747
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coachella
We go over average solar pricing in Coachella.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Coachella it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Coachella is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,803 for a solar installation, or $9,728 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Coachella homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Coachella, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Coachella
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,566 |
| 3 years | $-3,092 |
| 5 years | $-617 |
| 7 years | $1,857 |
| 9 years | $4,332 |
| 11 years | $6,806 |
| 13 years | $9,281 |
| 15 years | $11,755 |
| 17 years | $14,230 |
| 19 years | $16,704 |
| 21 years | $19,179 |
| 23 years | $21,653 |
| 25 years | $24,128 |
Top Solar Installers in Coachella
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Coachella:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Coachella
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coachella
Although the average cost of a solar system in Coachella is $6,803, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Coachella, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Coachella average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Coachella provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Coachella, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $30,043 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,446 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,043 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $61,835 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $72,821 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $84,001 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $95,376 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $106,945 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Coachella, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Coachella?
The average cost of solar panels in Coachella is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Coachella?
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 home 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Coachella, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.