Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calimesa, CA (2023 Update)
- Calimesa Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,418
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calimesa
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Calimesa.
In Calimesa, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Calimesa, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,351, or $7,652 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Calimesa homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calimesa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,600 |
| 3 years | $-3,099 |
| 5 years | $-1,597 |
| 7 years | $-95 |
| 9 years | $1,406 |
| 11 years | $2,908 |
| 13 years | $4,409 |
| 15 years | $5,911 |
| 17 years | $7,412 |
| 19 years | $8,914 |
| 21 years | $10,415 |
| 23 years | $11,917 |
| 25 years | $13,418 |
Top Solar Installers in Calimesa
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Calimesa, we've organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Calimesa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calimesa
For many Calimesa homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Calimesa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Calimesa, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Calimesa, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Calimesa homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Calimesa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Calimesa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calimesa?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Calimesa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Calimesa?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Calimesa?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.