Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Terrace, CA (2024 Update)
- Grand Terrace Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $16,421
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Terrace
We break down average solar pricing in Grand Terrace.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grand Terrace it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Grand Terrace, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,973, or $9,971 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Grand Terrace 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.With average savings of about $29,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Grand Terrace find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grand Terrace
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,788 |
| 3 years | $-3,419 |
| 5 years | $-1,049 |
| 7 years | $1,320 |
| 9 years | $3,690 |
| 11 years | $6,059 |
| 13 years | $8,429 |
| 15 years | $10,798 |
| 17 years | $13,168 |
| 19 years | $15,537 |
| 21 years | $17,907 |
| 23 years | $20,276 |
| 25 years | $22,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Terrace
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Grand Terrace
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Terrace
While the average cost of a solar system in Grand Terrace is $6,973, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase 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 have a higher price tag 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 can expect 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
Most solar companies in Grand Terrace offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Grand Terrace, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Grand Terrace are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $30,629 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,227 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $52,020 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $63,007 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,188 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,564 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $97,134 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $108,898 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing 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 Grand Terrace, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grand Terrace?
This is a difficult 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Grand Terrace, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.