Is $17,280 to purchase solar panels a fair price?
Project Details
I am in the middle of buying a new construction home in Southern California, and the builder includes solar panels. I have the choice to either buy or lease them. I'm torn because buying seems better long-term, but I don’t know how big the real difference is after maintenance, inverter replacement, resale value, etc. I close at the end of November.
Quote Details
This option involves purchasing the solar panel system outright. - System Size: 8 panels (~3.28 KW) - Purchase Price: $17,280 - Financing: Can be rolled into mortgage at 5.25% for 30 years (approximately $95/month) - Ownership: Homeowner owns the panels - Tax Credit: Qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit (estimated ~$5,184) - Home Value: Adds value to the home - Warranty: 25-year warranty
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More Details
Category
Solar
Price
$17,280
Quote Date
October 19, 2025
Location
California
Battery Storage?
No
# of Panels
8
System Size (kW)
3.28
Warranty (yrs)
25
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