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

  • Downey 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 February 03, 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 Downey

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Downey.

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

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Downey based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Downey can save about $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Downey for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Downey

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 Downey

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

See all of the solar companies in Downey

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Downey

There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Downey, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Downey to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Downey homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 $24,370 9.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,882 9.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,589 9.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $50,489 9.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $59,584 8.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,874 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $78,357 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $88,035 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Downey, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

EcoWatch's Downey, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Downey?

The average cost of solar panels in Downey 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Downey?

Solar panels aren’t free in Downey, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Downey have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for 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.

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