Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Hemet, CA (2023 Update)

  • East Hemet Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,910
  • Payback Period: 6.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Hemet

We go over average solar pricing in East Hemet.

The average cost of a solar system in East Hemet is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in East Hemet, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,351, or $7,652 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average East Hemet homeowner can save about $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in East Hemet for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in East Hemet

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,168
3 years $-1,798
5 years $571
7 years $2,941
9 years $5,310
11 years $7,680
13 years $10,049
15 years $12,419
17 years $14,788
19 years $17,158
21 years $19,527
23 years $21,897
25 years $24,266

Top Solar Installers in East Hemet

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in East Hemet

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Hemet

Although the average cost of a solar system in East Hemet is $5,351, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in East Hemet, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like East Hemet, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in East Hemet provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in East Hemet is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 $31,481 6.9 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $42,280 6.7 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $53,233 6.6 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $64,338 6.5 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $75,596 6.3 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $87,007 6.2 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $98,571 6.1 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $110,288 5.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many 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:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • 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 type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's East Hemet, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Hemet?

The average cost of solar panels in East Hemet 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Hemet?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in East Hemet?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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