Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Pasadena, CA (2024 Update)
- South Pasadena Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $16,700
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Pasadena
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in South Pasadena.
In South Pasadena, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in South Pasadena, 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average South Pasadena homeowner can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in South Pasadena for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Pasadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,676 |
| 3 years | $-3,187 |
| 5 years | $-699 |
| 7 years | $1,790 |
| 9 years | $4,279 |
| 11 years | $6,767 |
| 13 years | $9,256 |
| 15 years | $11,744 |
| 17 years | $14,233 |
| 19 years | $16,722 |
| 21 years | $19,210 |
| 23 years | $21,699 |
| 25 years | $24,188 |
Top Solar Installers in South Pasadena
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
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 South Pasadena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Pasadena
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Pasadena, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Pasadena to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in South Pasadena, and each can charge different amounts 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $31,479 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,361 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $53,437 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $64,707 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $76,172 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $87,831 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $99,684 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $111,732 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 South Pasadena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Pasadena?
The average cost of solar panels in South Pasadena 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 like 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 South Pasadena?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Pasadena?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 account for 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.