Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Beach, CA (2024 Update)
- Long Beach Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,914
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Beach
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Long Beach.
The average cost of a solar system in Long Beach is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,920 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $26,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Long Beach find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Long Beach
| 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 Long Beach
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Long Beach:
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 Long Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Beach
For many Long Beach homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Long Beach, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Long Beach, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Long Beach, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 installers in Long Beach have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Long Beach is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $25,611 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $34,537 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $43,657 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $52,972 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $62,481 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $72,184 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $82,081 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $92,173 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Long Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Long Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Long Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Long Beach 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,358.95 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.