Solar Panel Cost Guide in Costa Mesa, CA (2023 Update)
- Costa Mesa Solar Installation Cost: $5,512
- 25-Year Savings: $13,257
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Costa Mesa
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Costa Mesa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Costa Mesa generally cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Costa Mesa is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,504 for a solar installation, or $7,871 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after 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.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Costa Mesa for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Costa Mesa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,449 |
| 3 years | $-5,324 |
| 5 years | $-5,199 |
| 7 years | $-5,074 |
| 9 years | $-4,949 |
| 11 years | $-4,824 |
| 13 years | $-4,698 |
| 15 years | $-4,573 |
| 17 years | $-4,448 |
| 19 years | $-4,323 |
| 21 years | $-4,198 |
| 23 years | $-4,073 |
| 25 years | $-3,948 |
Top Solar Installers in Costa Mesa
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Costa Mesa, the EcoWatch team has 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 Costa Mesa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Costa Mesa
Although the average cost of a solar system in Costa Mesa is $5,504, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Costa Mesa. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Costa Mesa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Costa Mesa provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Costa Mesa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,120 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,466 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $45,965 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,617 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,421 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,379 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $85,489 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $95,752 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Costa Mesa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Costa Mesa?
The average cost of solar panels in Costa Mesa is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 use.
Are solar panels free in Costa Mesa?
A solar panel system isn't free in Costa Mesa, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.