Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calimesa, CA (2023 Update)
- Calimesa Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $13,417
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calimesa
We go over average solar pricing in Calimesa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Calimesa generally cost around 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Calimesa is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,351 for a solar installation, or $7,652 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Calimesa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calimesa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,290 |
| 3 years | $-5,165 |
| 5 years | $-5,040 |
| 7 years | $-4,915 |
| 9 years | $-4,789 |
| 11 years | $-4,664 |
| 13 years | $-4,539 |
| 15 years | $-4,414 |
| 17 years | $-4,289 |
| 19 years | $-4,164 |
| 21 years | $-4,039 |
| 23 years | $-3,914 |
| 25 years | $-3,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Calimesa
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Calimesa, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Calimesa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calimesa
The cost of installing a solar system in Calimesa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Calimesa. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Calimesa homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Calimesa is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $28,282 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,016 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,902 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,941 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,132 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,477 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,975 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,625 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Calimesa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Calimesa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calimesa?
The average cost of solar panels in Calimesa is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Calimesa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Calimesa. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Calimesa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.