Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Jacinto, CA (2024 Update)

  • San Jacinto Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,246
  • Payback Period: 8.7 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 San Jacinto

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in San Jacinto.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Jacinto generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in San Jacinto, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,803, or $9,728 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in San Jacinto see about $27,000 in savings on electricity 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 San Jacinto

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 San Jacinto

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you're searching for a solar company in San Jacinto, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 San Jacinto

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Jacinto

For many San Jacinto homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in San Jacinto, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in San Jacinto.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the San Jacinto average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in San Jacinto, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. San Jacinto’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 $26,827 9.0 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $36,158 8.9 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $45,683 8.7 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $55,403 8.5 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $65,317 8.3 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $75,425 8.2 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $85,728 8.0 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $96,225 7.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 San Jacinto, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Jacinto?

The average cost of solar panels in San Jacinto 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,399.47 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.

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