Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calimesa, CA (2024 Update)
- Calimesa Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $13,417
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calimesa
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Calimesa.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Calimesa, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Calimesa homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,803 with the federal tax credit, or $9,728 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Calimesa homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calimesa
| 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 Calimesa
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Calimesa, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Calimesa:
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 Calimesa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calimesa
For many Calimesa homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Calimesa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Calimesa, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Calimesa is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Calimesa have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $25,050 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,789 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,722 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,849 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $61,171 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,686 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $80,397 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $90,301 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Calimesa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Calimesa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Calimesa have a net metering program?
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 energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Calimesa?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.