Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pasadena, CA (2024 Update)
- Pasadena Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $16,913
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pasadena
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Pasadena.
The average cost of solar panels in Pasadena is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pasadena 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Pasadena 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.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Pasadena can save about $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Pasadena that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pasadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,614 |
| 3 years | $-3,002 |
| 5 years | $-389 |
| 7 years | $2,224 |
| 9 years | $4,836 |
| 11 years | $7,449 |
| 13 years | $10,061 |
| 15 years | $12,674 |
| 17 years | $15,286 |
| 19 years | $17,899 |
| 21 years | $20,511 |
| 23 years | $23,124 |
| 25 years | $25,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Pasadena
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pasadena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pasadena
The cost of installing a solar system in Pasadena can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Pasadena homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $31,927 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,958 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $54,184 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $65,603 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $77,217 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $89,025 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $101,028 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $113,225 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Pasadena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pasadena?
The average cost of solar panels in Pasadena is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Pasadena?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.