Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ladera Heights, CA (2024 Update)
- Ladera Heights Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $16,684
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ladera Heights
See how much it might cost to go solar in Ladera Heights.
In Ladera Heights, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Ladera Heights, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Ladera Heights homeowner can save about $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Ladera Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ladera Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,631 |
| 3 years | $-3,051 |
| 5 years | $-472 |
| 7 years | $2,107 |
| 9 years | $4,686 |
| 11 years | $7,266 |
| 13 years | $9,845 |
| 15 years | $12,424 |
| 17 years | $15,003 |
| 19 years | $17,582 |
| 21 years | $20,162 |
| 23 years | $22,741 |
| 25 years | $25,320 |
Top Solar Installers in Ladera Heights
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Ladera Heights, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ladera Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ladera Heights
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Ladera Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Ladera Heights.The brand and kind 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ladera Heights, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Ladera Heights’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $31,445 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,316 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $53,381 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $64,640 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $76,093 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $87,741 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $99,583 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $111,619 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, 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 Ladera Heights, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ladera Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Ladera Heights 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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 Ladera Heights?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.