Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palos Verdes Estates, CA (2024 Update)

  • Palos Verdes Estates Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,325
  • Payback Period: 9.2 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 Palos Verdes Estates

We go over average solar pricing in Palos Verdes Estates.

In Palos Verdes Estates, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Palos Verdes Estates is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,920 for a solar installation, or $9,896 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Palos Verdes Estates homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Palos Verdes Estates

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 Palos Verdes Estates

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Palos Verdes Estates

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palos Verdes Estates

Although the average cost of a solar system in Palos Verdes Estates is $6,920, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Palos Verdes Estates average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Palos Verdes Estates homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Palos Verdes Estates is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Palos Verdes Estates know more 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 $24,370 9.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,882 9.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,589 9.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $50,489 9.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $59,584 8.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,874 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $78,357 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $88,035 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

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 Palos Verdes Estates, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Palos Verdes Estates?

The average cost of solar panels in Palos Verdes Estates 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 such as the type 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 Palos Verdes Estates?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Palos Verdes Estates, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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