Solar Panel Cost Guide in Murrieta, CA (2023 Update)
- Murrieta Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $14,486
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Murrieta
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Murrieta.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Murrieta typically cost around 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Murrieta 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.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $27,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Murrieta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,557 |
| 3 years | $-2,970 |
| 5 years | $-1,383 |
| 7 years | $203 |
| 9 years | $1,790 |
| 11 years | $3,377 |
| 13 years | $4,964 |
| 15 years | $6,551 |
| 17 years | $8,138 |
| 19 years | $9,725 |
| 21 years | $11,312 |
| 23 years | $12,899 |
| 25 years | $14,486 |
Top Solar Installers in Murrieta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Murrieta, the EcoWatch team has 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 Murrieta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Murrieta
For many Murrieta homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Murrieta, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 energy system in Murrieta, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Murrieta, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Murrieta, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Murrieta, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $30,570 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,065 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $51,714 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $62,515 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $73,469 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $84,576 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $95,836 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $107,249 | 6.1 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Murrieta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Murrieta?
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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Murrieta?
A solar panel system isn't free in Murrieta, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 Murrieta have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.