Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arcadia, CA (2024 Update)
- Arcadia Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,454
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arcadia
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Arcadia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Arcadia typically cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Arcadia, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Arcadia based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $27,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arcadia find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Arcadia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arcadia
| 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 Arcadia
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Arcadia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arcadia
For many Arcadia homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Arcadia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Arcadia homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Arcadia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Arcadia are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $26,748 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $36,052 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $45,551 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $55,245 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $65,132 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $75,214 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $85,490 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $95,961 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to read 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Arcadia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arcadia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Arcadia?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Arcadia. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Arcadia is currently $1,312,589, so you can expect a value of about $53,816 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Arcadia is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for 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 generally 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.