Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wildomar, CA (2024 Update)

  • Wildomar Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,840
  • 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 Wildomar

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Wildomar.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wildomar it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Wildomar, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,803, or $9,728 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Wildomar for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Wildomar

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 Wildomar

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Wildomar:

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 Wildomar

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wildomar

Though the average cost of a solar system in Wildomar is $6,803, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

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. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Wildomar homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Wildomar is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$28,1008.8 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$37,8558.6 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$47,8048.4 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$57,9488.3 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$68,2868.1 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$78,8197.9 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$89,5457.7 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$100,4677.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Wildomar, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

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 Wildomar, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wildomar?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wildomar?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wildomar is currently $618,087, which means you could be looking at a value of about $25,342 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wildomar is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.