Solar Panel Cost Guide in Temescal Valley, CA (2024 Update)
- Temescal Valley Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $14,762
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Temescal Valley
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Temescal Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Temescal Valley it’s 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.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Temescal Valley based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Temescal Valley see about $27,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Temescal Valley
| 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 Temescal Valley
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Temescal Valley:
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 Temescal Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Temescal Valley
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment 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 Temescal Valley homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Temescal Valley is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Temescal Valley have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $27,932 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,632 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $47,526 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $57,614 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,896 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $78,373 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $89,044 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $99,909 | 7.6 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. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Temescal Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Temescal Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Temescal Valley is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model 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 initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 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.