Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgecrest, CA (2024 Update)
- Ridgecrest Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $13,233
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgecrest
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ridgecrest.
In Ridgecrest, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Ridgecrest homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,037 with the federal tax credit, or $10,063 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Ridgecrest homeowner can save about $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Ridgecrest that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ridgecrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,852 |
| 3 years | $-3,483 |
| 5 years | $-1,113 |
| 7 years | $1,256 |
| 9 years | $3,626 |
| 11 years | $5,995 |
| 13 years | $8,365 |
| 15 years | $10,734 |
| 17 years | $13,104 |
| 19 years | $15,473 |
| 21 years | $17,843 |
| 23 years | $20,212 |
| 25 years | $22,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgecrest
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgecrest
The cost of installing a solar system in Ridgecrest can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 Ridgecrest.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ridgecrest to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.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
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ridgecrest is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Ridgecrest are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $23,713 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,006 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $40,494 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,176 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,052 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $67,122 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $76,387 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $85,846 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Ridgecrest, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Ridgecrest, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ridgecrest?
The average cost of solar panels in Ridgecrest 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Ridgecrest?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ridgecrest. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ridgecrest?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Ridgecrest?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.