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

  • Imperial Beach Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,661
  • Payback Period: 7.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Beach

We go over average solar pricing in Imperial Beach.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Imperial Beach generally cost around 3.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Imperial Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $6,837 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Imperial Beach homeowners. The price 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.Even with the large initial cost, the average Imperial Beach homeowner can save around $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Imperial Beach for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Imperial Beach

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,178
3 years $-1,860
5 years $1,459
7 years $4,777
9 years $8,095
11 years $11,413
13 years $14,731
15 years $18,050
17 years $21,368
19 years $24,686
21 years $28,004
23 years $31,322
25 years $34,641

Top Solar Installers in Imperial Beach

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Imperial Beach, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Beach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Imperial Beach

Although the average cost of a solar system in Imperial Beach is $6,837, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Imperial Beach, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Imperial Beach homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Imperial Beach is the company you get to install your PV 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 for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Imperial Beach 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 $33,955 7.7 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $45,662 7.6 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $57,564 7.4 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $69,659 7.3 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $81,949 7.1 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $94,434 7.0 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $107,112 6.8 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $119,985 6.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Imperial Beach?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Imperial Beach?

Solar panels aren’t free in Imperial Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Imperial Beach, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Imperial Beach?

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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.

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