Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Carson, CA (2024 Update)
- West Carson Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $15,191
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Carson
We go over average solar pricing in West Carson.
The average cost of a solar panel system in West Carson is 3 per watt.The average West Carson homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average West Carson homeowner can save around $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Carson
| 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 West Carson
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in West Carson:
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 West Carson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Carson
There are many factors 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in West Carson.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Carson, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Carson provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Carson homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. West Carson’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in West Carson know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $28,301 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,123 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $48,140 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $58,351 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $68,756 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $79,355 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $90,149 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $101,137 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in West Carson, 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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 West Carson, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Carson?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Carson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Carson is currently $742,152, which means you can look forward to a value of about $30,428 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Carson is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.