Solar Panel Cost Guide in Temescal Valley, CA (2024 Update)

  • Temescal Valley Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,762
  • Payback Period: 8.5 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 Temescal Valley

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Temescal Valley.

The average cost of solar panels in Temescal Valley is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Temescal Valley is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,803 for a solar installation, or $9,728 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $27,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Temescal Valley find going solar has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Temescal Valley

YearReturn 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 Temescal Valley

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Temescal Valley:

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 Temescal Valley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Temescal Valley

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Temescal Valley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,470. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Temescal Valley, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Temescal Valley homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Temescal Valley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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$27,9328.8 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$37,6328.6 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$47,5268.5 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$57,6148.3 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$67,8968.1 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$78,3737.9 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$89,0447.8 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$99,9097.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.

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 Temescal Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Temescal Valley?

The average cost of solar panels in Temescal Valley 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

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 Temescal Valley is currently $716,346, which means you can expect a value of about $29,370 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Temescal Valley 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 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 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.