Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tehachapi, CA (2024 Update)
- Tehachapi Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $17,014
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tehachapi
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Tehachapi.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tehachapi, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $7,037 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Tehachapi homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Tehachapi can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Tehachapi that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tehachapi
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,676 |
| 3 years | $-2,953 |
| 5 years | $-231 |
| 7 years | $2,492 |
| 9 years | $5,215 |
| 11 years | $7,937 |
| 13 years | $10,660 |
| 15 years | $13,383 |
| 17 years | $16,105 |
| 19 years | $18,828 |
| 21 years | $21,551 |
| 23 years | $24,273 |
| 25 years | $26,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Tehachapi
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Tehachapi:
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 Tehachapi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tehachapi
There are a number of criteria that can determine 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
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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Tehachapi homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Tehachapi’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Tehachapi know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $31,544 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,447 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $53,544 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $64,836 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $76,322 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $88,003 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $99,877 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $111,947 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts 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 good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Tehachapi, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tehachapi?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Tehachapi is currently $403,717, which means you can expect a value of about $16,552 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tehachapi is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.