Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salton City, CA (2024 Update)
- Salton City Solar Installation Cost: $6,745
- 25-Year Savings: $15,793
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salton City
We break down average solar pricing in Salton City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Salton City is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,745 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Salton City homeowner can save about $29,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Salton City that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Salton City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,508 |
| 3 years | $-3,033 |
| 5 years | $-559 |
| 7 years | $1,916 |
| 9 years | $4,390 |
| 11 years | $6,865 |
| 13 years | $9,339 |
| 15 years | $11,814 |
| 17 years | $14,288 |
| 19 years | $16,763 |
| 21 years | $19,237 |
| 23 years | $21,712 |
| 25 years | $24,186 |
Top Solar Installers in Salton City
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Salton City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salton City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Salton City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Salton City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Salton City to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Salton City, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $30,435 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,969 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,697 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,619 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $73,735 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,046 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $96,552 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $108,251 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Salton City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salton City?
The average cost of solar panels in Salton City 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Salton City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Salton City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Salton City?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.