Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Cañada Flintridge, CA (2024 Update)
- La Cañada Flintridge Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $24,665
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Cañada Flintridge
We go over average solar pricing in La Cañada Flintridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in La Cañada Flintridge it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in La Cañada Flintridge is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,920 for a solar installation, or $9,896 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of La Cañada Flintridge homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average La Cañada Flintridge homeowner can save about $40,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in La Cañada Flintridge, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Cañada Flintridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,657 |
| 3 years | $-3,130 |
| 5 years | $-603 |
| 7 years | $1,924 |
| 9 years | $4,450 |
| 11 years | $6,977 |
| 13 years | $9,504 |
| 15 years | $12,031 |
| 17 years | $14,558 |
| 19 years | $17,084 |
| 21 years | $19,611 |
| 23 years | $22,138 |
| 25 years | $24,665 |
Top Solar Installers in La Cañada Flintridge
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in La Cañada Flintridge, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 La Cañada Flintridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Cañada Flintridge
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in La Cañada Flintridge: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in La Cañada Flintridge is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $45,193 | 6.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $60,645 | 6.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $76,292 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $92,134 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $108,170 | 5.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $124,400 | 5.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $140,824 | 5.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $157,443 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand 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 offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should 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 respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 La Cañada Flintridge, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Cañada Flintridge?
This is a difficult 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $2,011.65 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.