Solar Panel Cost Guide in Temescal Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- Temescal Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $14,764
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Temescal Valley
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Temescal Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Temescal Valley it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Temescal Valley 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.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Temescal Valley depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Temescal Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,546 |
| 3 years | $-2,937 |
| 5 years | $-1,328 |
| 7 years | $281 |
| 9 years | $1,891 |
| 11 years | $3,500 |
| 13 years | $5,109 |
| 15 years | $6,718 |
| 17 years | $8,327 |
| 19 years | $9,936 |
| 21 years | $11,546 |
| 23 years | $13,155 |
| 25 years | $14,764 |
Top Solar Installers in Temescal Valley
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Temescal Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Temescal Valley
The cost of installing a solar system in Temescal Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Temescal Valley, 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Temescal Valley, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Temescal Valley is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $31,165 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,859 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $52,706 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $63,705 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $74,858 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $86,163 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $97,622 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $109,233 | 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:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Temescal Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Temescal Valley?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Temescal Valley?
A solar panel system isn't free in Temescal Valley, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.