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

  • Hemet Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,097
  • Payback Period: 6.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Hemet

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Hemet.

In Hemet, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hemet, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,351, or $7,652 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on power bills.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hemet

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,573
3 years $-3,017
5 years $-1,461
7 years $95
9 years $1,650
11 years $3,206
13 years $4,762
15 years $6,318
17 years $7,874
19 years $9,429
21 years $10,985
23 years $12,541
25 years $14,097

Top Solar Installers in Hemet

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Hemet

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hemet

Although the average cost of a solar system in Hemet is $5,351, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many 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 keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Hemet, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hemet, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Hemet's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 $29,736 7.2 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $39,954 7.0 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $50,325 6.9 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $60,849 6.7 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $71,525 6.6 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $82,354 6.5 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $93,337 6.3 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $104,472 6.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Hemet, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Hemet 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hemet?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hemet?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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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