Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Mirage, CA (2024 Update)
- Rancho Mirage Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $22,815
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Mirage
We break down average solar pricing in Rancho Mirage.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rancho Mirage it’s 3 per watt.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rancho Mirage, the average price of going solar will be about $6,803 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rancho Mirage homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Rancho Mirage homeowner can save around $26,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Mirage
| 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 Rancho Mirage
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Rancho Mirage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Mirage
Though the average cost of a solar system in Rancho Mirage is $6,803, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Rancho Mirage, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Rancho Mirage homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rancho Mirage is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $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 kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Rancho Mirage, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Mirage?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Rancho Mirage have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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.