Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Centro, CA (2024 Update)
- El Centro Solar Installation Cost: $6,745
- 25-Year Savings: $13,038
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Centro
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in El Centro.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in El Centro generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in El Centro is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,745 for a solar installation, or $9,645 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 El Centro homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in El Centro see about $26,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Centro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,929 |
| 3 years | $-4,299 |
| 5 years | $-2,668 |
| 7 years | $-1,037 |
| 9 years | $594 |
| 11 years | $2,225 |
| 13 years | $3,855 |
| 15 years | $5,486 |
| 17 years | $7,117 |
| 19 years | $8,748 |
| 21 years | $10,378 |
| 23 years | $12,009 |
| 25 years | $13,640 |
Top Solar Installers in El Centro
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 El Centro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Centro
Although the average cost of a solar system in El Centro is $6,745, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like El Centro, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in El Centro to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. El Centro’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 promotion 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 | $24,480 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,029 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,772 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,709 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,840 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $69,166 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $78,687 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $88,401 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 El Centro, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Centro?
The average cost of solar panels in El Centro 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in El Centro?
Solar panels aren’t free in El Centro, 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 can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.