Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mira Monte, CA (2024 Update)

  • Mira Monte Solar Installation Cost: $6,958
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,295
  • Payback Period: 9.3 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 Mira Monte

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Mira Monte.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mira Monte, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Mira Monte, the average price of going solar will be about $6,958 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Mira Monte homeowner can save about $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mira Monte

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,773
3 years $-3,403
5 years $-1,034
7 years $1,336
9 years $3,705
11 years $6,075
13 years $8,444
15 years $10,814
17 years $13,183
19 years $15,553
21 years $17,922
23 years $20,292
25 years $22,661

Top Solar Installers in Mira Monte

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Mira Monte

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mira Monte

Although the average cost of a solar system in Mira Monte is $6,958, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The kind 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. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mira Monte average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Mira Monte offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mira Monte is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Mira Monte are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 help you save 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 $24,158 9.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,600 9.5 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,236 9.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $50,066 9.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $59,090 8.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,309 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $77,722 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $87,329 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Mira Monte, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying 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.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • 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 substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar 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 acquire and how long the project will take.

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 Mira Monte, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mira Monte?

The average cost of solar panels in Mira Monte is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Mira Monte?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Mira Monte. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,310.51 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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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