Solar Panel Cost Guide in Imperial Beach, CA (2023 Update)
- Imperial Beach Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Imperial Beach
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Imperial Beach.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Imperial Beach, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $5,370 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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 Imperial Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,605 |
| 5 years | $-762 |
| 7 years | $1,081 |
| 9 years | $2,924 |
| 11 years | $4,768 |
| 13 years | $6,611 |
| 15 years | $8,454 |
| 17 years | $10,297 |
| 19 years | $12,140 |
| 21 years | $13,984 |
| 23 years | $15,827 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Imperial Beach
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Imperial Beach, we've compiled 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 Imperial Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Imperial Beach
Although the average cost of a solar system in Imperial Beach is $5,370, 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 solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Imperial Beach, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Imperial Beach, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Imperial Beach have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $37,188 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,889 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,744 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,751 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,911 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,224 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $115,690 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,309 | 5.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Imperial Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Imperial Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Imperial Beach 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Imperial Beach?
Solar panels aren't free in Imperial Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Imperial Beach have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.