Solar Panel Cost Guide in Murrieta, CA (2024 Update)
- Murrieta Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $14,484
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Murrieta
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Murrieta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Murrieta, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,803 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Murrieta for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Murrieta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,381 |
| 3 years | $-2,537 |
| 5 years | $306 |
| 7 years | $3,150 |
| 9 years | $5,994 |
| 11 years | $8,838 |
| 13 years | $11,682 |
| 15 years | $14,526 |
| 17 years | $17,369 |
| 19 years | $20,213 |
| 21 years | $23,057 |
| 23 years | $25,901 |
| 25 years | $28,745 |
Top Solar Installers in Murrieta
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Murrieta, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Murrieta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Murrieta
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Murrieta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Murrieta.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Murrieta homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Murrieta, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $27,337 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $36,838 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $46,534 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $56,423 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $66,507 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $76,786 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $87,258 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $97,925 | 7.7 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions 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.
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 Murrieta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Murrieta?
The average cost of solar panels in Murrieta is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Murrieta?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Murrieta?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.