Solar Panel Cost Guide in Desert Palms, CA (2024 Update)
- Desert Palms Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $13,468
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Desert Palms
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Desert Palms.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Desert Palms it’s 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Desert Palms, the average price of going solar will be about $6,803 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Desert Palms homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $26,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Desert Palms find going solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Desert Palms
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,619 |
| 3 years | $-3,249 |
| 5 years | $-880 |
| 7 years | $1,490 |
| 9 years | $3,859 |
| 11 years | $6,229 |
| 13 years | $8,598 |
| 15 years | $10,968 |
| 17 years | $13,337 |
| 19 years | $15,707 |
| 21 years | $18,076 |
| 23 years | $20,446 |
| 25 years | $22,815 |
Top Solar Installers in Desert Palms
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Desert Palms
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Desert Palms
For many Desert Palms homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Desert Palms, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Desert Palms, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $25,160 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,935 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,905 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $52,069 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $61,427 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,980 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $80,727 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $90,668 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Desert Palms, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Desert Palms?
The average cost of solar panels in Desert Palms 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Desert Palms?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Desert Palms is currently $710,010, which means you can expect a value of about $29,110 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Desert Palms is a rewarding investment.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.