Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mission Viejo, CA (2024 Update)

  • Mission Viejo Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,393
  • Payback Period: 8.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 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 Mission Viejo

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Mission Viejo.

The average cost of a solar system in Mission Viejo is 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Mission Viejo, the average price of going solar will be about $7,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mission Viejo homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $28,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mission Viejo find going solar can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Mission Viejo for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Mission Viejo

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,347
3 years$-2,028
5 years$1,290
7 years$4,608
9 years$7,926
11 years$11,244
13 years$14,563
15 years$17,881
17 years$21,199
19 years$24,517
21 years$27,835
23 years$31,154
25 years$34,472

Top Solar Installers in Mission Viejo

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Mission Viejo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mission Viejo

The cost of installing a solar system in Mission Viejo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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

Most solar companies in Mission Viejo have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Mission Viejo, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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$28,3308.7 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$38,1628.5 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$48,1898.4 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$58,4108.2 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$68,8258.0 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$79,4347.9 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$90,2387.7 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$101,2367.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • 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 should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Mission Viejo, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mission Viejo?

The average cost of solar panels in Mission Viejo 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 stuff 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 apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Mission Viejo?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.