Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cerritos, CA (2024 Update)
- Cerritos Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cerritos
We go over average solar pricing in Cerritos.
The average cost of solar panels in Cerritos is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Cerritos, 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.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $25,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cerritos find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Cerritos, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cerritos
| 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 Cerritos
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Cerritos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cerritos
While the average cost of a solar system in Cerritos is $6,920, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Cerritos.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cerritos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Cerritos homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $24,370 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,882 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,589 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,489 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,584 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,874 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $78,357 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $88,035 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Cerritos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cerritos?
The average cost of solar panels in Cerritos is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.