Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Clemente, CA (2024 Update)
- San Clemente Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $17,528
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Clemente
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in San Clemente.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in San Clemente, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $7,006 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in San Clemente can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in San Clemente for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in San Clemente
| Year | Return 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 San Clemente
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in San Clemente, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 San Clemente
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Clemente
There are a number of criteria that can play into 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in San Clemente, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. San Clemente’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 car 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 | $32,773 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,085 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,593 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,294 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,190 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,280 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $103,564 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,043 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 San Clemente, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Clemente?
The average cost of solar panels in San Clemente 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in San Clemente is currently $1,538,522, so you can expect a value of about $63,079 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in San Clemente is a rewarding investment.
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 how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.