Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mecca, CA (2023 Update)
- Mecca Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $15,747
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mecca
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mecca.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mecca it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Mecca is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,351 for a solar installation, or $7,652 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Mecca can save about $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mecca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,282 |
| 3 years | $-5,141 |
| 5 years | $-5,001 |
| 7 years | $-4,860 |
| 9 years | $-4,719 |
| 11 years | $-4,579 |
| 13 years | $-4,438 |
| 15 years | $-4,297 |
| 17 years | $-4,157 |
| 19 years | $-4,016 |
| 21 years | $-3,876 |
| 23 years | $-3,735 |
| 25 years | $-3,594 |
Top Solar Installers in Mecca
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Mecca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mecca
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Mecca: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Mecca homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Mecca, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $33,275 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,673 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $56,223 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,927 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,783 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $91,792 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,954 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $116,269 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Mecca, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mecca?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mecca?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mecca. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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.