Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Quinta, CA (2024 Update)
- La Quinta Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $15,230
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Quinta
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in La Quinta.
The average cost of a solar system in La Quinta is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in La Quinta is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,803 for a solar installation, or $9,728 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average La Quinta homeowner. 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.Even with the high upfront cost, the average La Quinta homeowner can save around $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Quinta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,745 |
| 3 years | $-3,629 |
| 5 years | $-1,513 |
| 7 years | $603 |
| 9 years | $2,719 |
| 11 years | $4,835 |
| 13 years | $6,951 |
| 15 years | $9,067 |
| 17 years | $11,183 |
| 19 years | $13,299 |
| 21 years | $15,415 |
| 23 years | $17,531 |
| 25 years | $19,647 |
Top Solar Installers in La Quinta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in La Quinta, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company 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 La Quinta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Quinta
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in La Quinta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in La Quinta.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in La Quinta offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. La Quinta’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in La Quinta are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 help you save 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 | $28,933 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,967 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,194 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $59,616 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $70,232 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $81,042 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $92,047 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $103,246 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact 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 some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 La Quinta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Quinta?
The average cost of solar panels in La Quinta 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in La Quinta?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in La Quinta?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.