Solar Panel Cost Guide in Inglewood, CA (2024 Update)
- Inglewood Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,971
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Inglewood
We break down average solar pricing in Inglewood.
The average cost of a solar system in Inglewood is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Inglewood, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Inglewood see about $27,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Inglewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Inglewood
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar 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 Inglewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Inglewood
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 about $3,470. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Inglewood provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Inglewood homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Inglewood’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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $27,838 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,507 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $47,369 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $57,426 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,677 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $78,122 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $88,762 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $99,596 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Inglewood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Inglewood, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Inglewood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Inglewood?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Inglewood. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Inglewood is currently $725,552, so you could be looking at a value of about $29,748 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Inglewood is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.