Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menifee, CA (2024 Update)

  • Menifee Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,417
  • Payback Period: 9.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Menifee

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Menifee.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Menifee, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Menifee, the average price of going solar will be about $6,803 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Menifee based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Menifee see about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Menifee for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Menifee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,619
3 years $-3,249
5 years $-880
7 years $1,490
9 years $3,859
11 years $6,229
13 years $8,598
15 years $10,968
17 years $13,337
19 years $15,707
21 years $18,076
23 years $20,446
25 years $22,815

Top Solar Installers in Menifee

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Menifee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menifee

For many Menifee homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Menifee, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Menifee, 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Menifee to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Menifee, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Menifee are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $25,050 9.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $33,789 9.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $42,722 9.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $51,849 8.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $61,171 8.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $70,686 8.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $80,397 8.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $90,301 8.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Menifee, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Menifee?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Menifee. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Menifee is currently $548,506, which means you can look forward to a value of about $22,489 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Menifee is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Menifee?

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 level 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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