Solar Panel Cost Guide in Imperial, CA (2024 Update)

  • Imperial Solar Installation Cost: $6,745
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,186
  • Payback Period: 7.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Imperial

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Imperial.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Imperial, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Imperial homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,745 with the federal tax credit, or $9,645 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Imperial homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be 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 rewarding, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Imperial

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,508
3 years$-3,033
5 years$-559
7 years$1,916
9 years$4,390
11 years$6,865
13 years$9,339
15 years$11,814
17 years$14,288
19 years$16,763
21 years$19,237
23 years$21,712
25 years$24,186

Top Solar Installers in Imperial

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with 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 how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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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 Imperial

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Imperial

For many Imperial homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Imperial, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Imperial, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Imperial average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Imperial homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Imperial, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$35,7137.4 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$48,0067.3 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$60,4937.2 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$73,1757.0 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$86,0506.9 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$99,1216.7 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$112,3856.6 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$125,8446.4 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • 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 need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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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 Imperial, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Imperial?

The average cost of solar panels in Imperial 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Imperial?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Imperial, 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 long do solar panels last in Imperial?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.