As of 2024, the average cost of solar panels in California is $2.73 per watt, with prices ranging from $2.33 to $3.13 per watt, depending on the system size and installer.
The California Energy Commission reports that the cost of solar panels has decreased by 70% over the last decade, with the average cost per watt in 2024 being $2.65 for residential systems.
In 2024, the cost of solar panels per watt in California varies by city, with Los Angeles averaging $2.81 per watt and San Francisco averaging $2.93 per watt, according to data from SolarReviews.
Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests that the levelized cost of solar energy in California has fallen to $1.43 per kilowatt-hour, with the cost per watt of solar panels being a significant factor in this decline.
Use our solar panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of solar panels per watt in California, based on your location, system size, and other factors, with prices starting at $2.50 per watt.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that California offers several incentives for solar adoption, including the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program, which can help reduce the cost per watt of solar panels.
Watch our video to learn more about the cost of solar panels per watt in California, including factors that affect pricing, system sizes, and installation costs, with expert insights from a solar industry professional.
A study by the University of California, Davis, found that the cost of solar panels per watt in California has continued to decline in 2024, driven by technological advancements, economies of scale, and state-level policies supporting solar adoption.