Solar Panel Cost Guide in Temecula, CA (2023 Update)
- Temecula Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $14,840
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Temecula
We go over average solar pricing in Temecula.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Temecula typically cost around 2.73. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Temecula, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,351, or $7,652 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Temecula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,285 |
| 3 years | $-5,151 |
| 5 years | $-5,016 |
| 7 years | $-4,881 |
| 9 years | $-4,747 |
| 11 years | $-4,612 |
| 13 years | $-4,477 |
| 15 years | $-4,343 |
| 17 years | $-4,208 |
| 19 years | $-4,074 |
| 21 years | $-3,939 |
| 23 years | $-3,804 |
| 25 years | $-3,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Temecula
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Temecula
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Temecula
The cost of installing a solar system in Temecula can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Temecula, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly 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. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Temecula to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Temecula is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $31,332 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,082 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $52,984 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,040 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,248 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $86,609 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,124 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $109,791 | 6.0 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Temecula, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Temecula?
The average cost of solar panels in Temecula is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Temecula, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.