Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Riviera, CA (2024 Update)

  • La Riviera Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,686
  • Payback Period: 9.1 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 Riviera

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in La Riviera.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in La Riviera, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in La Riviera, the average price of going solar will be about $7,491 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in La Riviera can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in La Riviera

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-6,497
3 years $-4,510
5 years $-2,522
7 years $-535
9 years $1,453
11 years $3,440
13 years $5,428
15 years $7,415
17 years $9,402
19 years $11,390
21 years $13,377
23 years $15,365
25 years $17,352

Top Solar Installers in La Riviera

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

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 in La Riviera:

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 Riviera

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Riviera

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in La Riviera: 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in La Riviera.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in La Riviera, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for La Riviera homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. La Riviera’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in La Riviera have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 $24,880 9.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $33,562 9.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $42,438 9.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $51,509 8.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $60,774 8.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $70,233 8.6 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $79,887 8.4 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $89,735 8.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Riviera, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Riviera?

The average cost of solar panels in La Riviera 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in La Riviera?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,334.57 per year.

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

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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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