Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mentone, CA (2024 Update)
- Mentone Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $13,283
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mentone
We break down average solar pricing in Mentone.
In Mentone, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Mentone, the average price of going solar will be about $6,973 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Mentone homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mentone
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,788 |
| 3 years | $-3,419 |
| 5 years | $-1,049 |
| 7 years | $1,320 |
| 9 years | $3,690 |
| 11 years | $6,059 |
| 13 years | $8,429 |
| 15 years | $10,798 |
| 17 years | $13,168 |
| 19 years | $15,537 |
| 21 years | $17,907 |
| 23 years | $20,276 |
| 25 years | $22,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Mentone
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Mentone
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mentone
The cost of installing a solar system in Mentone can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Mentone, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mentone, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Mentone have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mentone homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mentone is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $24,071 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,483 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,090 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,891 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,886 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,076 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $77,459 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $87,038 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Mentone, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mentone?
The average cost of solar panels in Mentone 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mentone?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Mentone?
Although 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 replace them after having 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.