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

  • Monrovia Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,325
  • Payback Period: 9.2 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

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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 Monrovia

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Monrovia.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Monrovia, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Monrovia, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Monrovia based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Monrovia

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,691
3 years$-3,232
5 years$-773
7 years$1,686
9 years$4,145
11 years$6,603
13 years$9,062
15 years$11,521
17 years$13,980
19 years$16,439
21 years$18,898
23 years$21,356
25 years$23,815

Top Solar Installers in Monrovia

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Monrovia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monrovia

The cost of installing a solar system in Monrovia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Monrovia.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Monrovia, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Monrovia homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Monrovia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Monrovia have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$24,3709.6 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$32,8829.4 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$41,5899.2 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$50,4899.0 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$59,5848.8 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$68,8748.7 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$78,3578.5 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$88,0358.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

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 Monrovia, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Monrovia?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Monrovia. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Monrovia?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 house 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.