Solar Panel Cost Guide in Culver City, CA (2024 Update)
- Culver City Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $18,924
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Culver City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Culver City.
In Culver City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Culver City, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Culver City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,578 |
| 3 years | $-2,894 |
| 5 years | $-210 |
| 7 years | $2,474 |
| 9 years | $5,158 |
| 11 years | $7,842 |
| 13 years | $10,526 |
| 15 years | $13,211 |
| 17 years | $15,895 |
| 19 years | $18,579 |
| 21 years | $21,263 |
| 23 years | $23,947 |
| 25 years | $26,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Culver City
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Culver City, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Culver City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Culver City
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Culver City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Culver City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Culver City provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Culver City, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $36,162 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,605 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,242 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,073 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,099 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,319 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,733 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,342 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely 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 Culver City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Culver City?
The average cost of solar panels in Culver City is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,710.64 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.