Solar Panel Cost Guide in Murrieta, CA (2024 Update)
- Murrieta Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $14,484
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Murrieta
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Murrieta.
The average cost of a solar system in Murrieta is 3 per watt.The average Murrieta homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,803 with the federal tax credit, or $9,728 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Murrieta homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Murrieta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,381 |
| 3 years | $-2,537 |
| 5 years | $306 |
| 7 years | $3,150 |
| 9 years | $5,994 |
| 11 years | $8,838 |
| 13 years | $11,682 |
| 15 years | $14,526 |
| 17 years | $17,369 |
| 19 years | $20,213 |
| 21 years | $23,057 |
| 23 years | $25,901 |
| 25 years | $28,745 |
Top Solar Installers in Murrieta
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Murrieta:
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 Murrieta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Murrieta
There are a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Murrieta, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Murrieta average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Murrieta homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Murrieta is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $27,337 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $36,838 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $46,534 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $56,423 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $66,507 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $76,786 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $87,258 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $97,925 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Murrieta, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully 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 what services you can expect from them.
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 Murrieta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Murrieta?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Murrieta?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Murrieta?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.