Solar Panel Cost Guide in Moreno Valley, CA (2024 Update)
- Moreno Valley Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $17,083
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Moreno Valley
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Moreno Valley.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Moreno Valley typically cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Moreno Valley, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,803, or $9,728 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Moreno Valley homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Moreno Valley homeowner can save about $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Moreno Valley for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Moreno Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,540 |
| 3 years | $-3,013 |
| 5 years | $-486 |
| 7 years | $2,042 |
| 9 years | $4,569 |
| 11 years | $7,096 |
| 13 years | $9,623 |
| 15 years | $12,150 |
| 17 years | $14,677 |
| 19 years | $17,204 |
| 21 years | $19,731 |
| 23 years | $22,258 |
| 25 years | $24,785 |
Top Solar Installers in Moreno Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Moreno Valley:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Moreno Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Moreno Valley
For many Moreno Valley homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Moreno Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several 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 system in Moreno Valley, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Moreno Valley average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Moreno Valley, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Moreno Valley, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 | $32,904 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,261 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,812 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,557 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,497 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,631 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $103,959 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,482 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Moreno Valley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Moreno Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Moreno Valley?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Moreno Valley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Moreno Valley. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Moreno Valley, 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.