Solar Panel Cost Guide in Inglewood, CA (2024 Update)
- Inglewood Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,971
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Inglewood
We break down average solar pricing in Inglewood.
In Inglewood, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,920 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Inglewood see about $27,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Inglewood
| 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 Inglewood
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar 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 Inglewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Inglewood
There are many criteria that can affect your total 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
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Inglewood provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Inglewood homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Inglewood is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $27,838 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,507 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $47,369 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $57,426 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,677 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $78,122 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $88,762 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $99,596 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Inglewood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Inglewood, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Inglewood?
The average cost of solar panels in Inglewood 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Inglewood?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Inglewood, 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.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s 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 a solar system."
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 the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.