Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Crescenta-Montrose, CA (2024 Update)

  • La Crescenta-Montrose Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,025
  • Payback Period: 7.2 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 La Crescenta-Montrose

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in La Crescenta-Montrose.

In La Crescenta-Montrose, 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.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in La Crescenta-Montrose see about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in La Crescenta-Montrose, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in La Crescenta-Montrose

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,642
3 years $-3,087
5 years $-531
7 years $2,024
9 years $4,580
11 years $7,135
13 years $9,691
15 years $12,247
17 years $14,802
19 years $17,358
21 years $19,913
23 years $22,469
25 years $25,025

Top Solar Installers in La Crescenta-Montrose

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in La Crescenta-Montrose:

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 La Crescenta-Montrose

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Crescenta-Montrose

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in La Crescenta-Montrose: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in La Crescenta-Montrose to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $35,631 7.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $47,897 7.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $60,357 7.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $73,012 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $85,860 6.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $98,903 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $112,141 6.6 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $125,572 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 La Crescenta-Montrose, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Crescenta-Montrose?

The average cost of solar panels in La Crescenta-Montrose 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in La Crescenta-Montrose?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

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