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

  • Crestline 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 May 20, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Crestline

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Crestline.

The average cost of solar panels in Crestline is 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Crestline, the average price of going solar will be about $6,973 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Crestline depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Crestline

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 Crestline

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Crestline

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crestline

There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Crestline homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Crestline’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

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

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Crestline, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Crestline?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Crestline. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather 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 a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.