Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardena, CA (2024 Update)
- Gardena Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,724
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardena
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gardena.
In Gardena, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Gardena is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,920 for a solar installation, or $9,896 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gardena homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Gardena that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gardena
| 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 Gardena
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Gardena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardena
For many Gardena homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gardena, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Gardena, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gardena homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Gardena, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $27,318 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $36,813 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $46,502 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $56,385 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $66,463 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $76,735 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $87,201 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $97,862 | 7.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Gardena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardena?
The average cost of solar panels in Gardena 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Gardena?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Gardena, 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 further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gardena?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.