How Much Does it Cost to Go Solar in Murrieta, CA?

Bright and sunny most of the year, it’s no wonder that Murrieta, California is one of the top 10 solar cities in the state for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Most homes in Murrieta soak up plenty of sunshine year-round.

Solar rebates make home solar systems in Murrieta affordable, too, but you need to act quickly to get the most out of them. Using averages to calculate data specific to Murrieta, here is an estimate of solar costs and savings for a typical Murrieta residential solar system.

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Average Solar Costs in Murrieta

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) gathers data about electrical usage throughout the nation. According to the EIA, in 2009, the average American home used 908 kilowatt hours of electricity each month. In Murrieta, that amount results in a $150 monthly electrical bill. An average-sized solar system for Murrieta homes is between 2.96 and 4.44 kilowatts. The solar panels for the system would cover about 370 square feet of roofing. Before California rebates, the cost for the system would be $29,600.

The Federal Incentive Program

The federal government’s generous tax credit program is intended to help the nation become less dependent on non-renewable energy. Through a tax credit, the federal rebate pays for up to 30 percent of the costs for installing a residential solar energy system. In the Murrieta sample system, the rebate would be $8,880, lowering the gross cost to $20,720.

Utility Rebates

California runs a program in conjunction with the state’s public utilities to meet mandates to invest in renewable energy. The program offers per-watt rebates to Californians who go solar. As participation in the program increases, the rebates are reduced, making early adopters the ones to pay least for their systems.

Murrieta’s Southern California Edison (SCE) utility is currently offering $0.65 per watt. SCE is in the seventh step of the ten-step program, so Murrieta homeowners need to act soon to lock in this substantial rebate. In the sample Murrieta system, the SCE rebate would total $2,405, resulting in a net cost for the system of $18,315.

Through monthly savings on electrical bills, the $18,315 PV system would be paid off in 10 years.

• Average Monthly Utility Savings: $126 to $265
• Average Annual Utility Savings: $1,509 to $3,185
• 25-year Utility Savings: $37,723 to $79,613
• Property Value Increase: $17,980 to $37,946
• Greenhouse Gas Saved over Life of System: 112 tons

Additional Savings for Murrieta

SCE tiered rates start at a base rate for the amount of electricity that SCE estimates that the building needs. When customers use more than that amount, the rates enter a higher “tier.” Residential solar systems can help prevent higher-tiered charges.

SCE also charges more during periods of the day when electricity is in high demand. Fortunately, the most expensive “peak demand period” is during the afternoon, when solar panels in Murrieta are most efficient. Whenever a home solar system produces more energy than the home is using, SCE credits the customer on monthly bills. In sunny Murrieta, this can add up to substantial savings.

To check savings in your area, it’s best to get a few estimates.

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How Much Does it Cost to Go Solar in Murrieta, CA?