Solar Panel Cost Guide in Imperial, CA (2024 Update)
- Imperial Solar Installation Cost: $6,745
- 25-Year Savings: $24,186
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Imperial
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Imperial.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Imperial, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Imperial, the average price of going solar will be about $6,745 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Imperial homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Imperial
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,508 |
| 3 years | $-3,033 |
| 5 years | $-559 |
| 7 years | $1,916 |
| 9 years | $4,390 |
| 11 years | $6,865 |
| 13 years | $9,339 |
| 15 years | $11,814 |
| 17 years | $14,288 |
| 19 years | $16,763 |
| 21 years | $19,237 |
| 23 years | $21,712 |
| 25 years | $24,186 |
Top Solar Installers in Imperial
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Imperial, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Imperial
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Imperial
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Imperial.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Imperial, 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 Imperial provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Imperial, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Imperial have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,713 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,006 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,493 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,175 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,050 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $99,121 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $112,385 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,844 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Imperial, 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:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Imperial, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Imperial?
The average cost of solar panels in Imperial is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Imperial?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,695.66 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.