Solar panel cost Irvine: Prices & data 2023
Updated: October 1, 2023As of Oct 2023, the average cost of solar panels in Irvine is $2.93 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $12,312 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit now available.
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt.
Installed Irvine solar system cost by:
Solar panel installation cost in Irvine
The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost.
Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’. However, these larger solar systems will still have a higher total cost, because they are made up of more individual panels.
Table 2: Average cost of residential solar systems by system size
| System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg system cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $3.18 | $8,917 |
| 5kW | $3.08 | $10,771 |
| 6kW | $2.93 | $12,312 |
| 7kW | $2.91 | $14,268 |
| 8kW | $2.94 | $16,466 |
| 9kW | $2.84 | $17,923 |
| 10kW | $2.83 | $19,777 |
Irvine solar cost and savings calculator
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,721.85
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,120.18
($2.49 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,919.30
($2.65 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,231.07
($2.59 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.20 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,276.66
($2.63 p/w)
LG360Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$530.85 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,386.87
($2.49 p/w)
LG355Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
20.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$495.00 ($1.38 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,091.06
($2.60 p/w)
LG360Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$407.97 ($1.10 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.2kW system
$13,159.30
($2.54 p/w)
LG370Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
370 watts
Efficiency
21.4
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$323.39 ($0.97 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,691.01
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$338.19 ($0.99 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$0.00
($0.00 p/w)
LG340N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
19.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,808.41
($2.61 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,201.67
($2.62 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,703.10
($2.79 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,610.59
($2.77 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$181.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,003.04
($2.16 p/w)
CS6K-300MS overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.33
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$9,948.02
($1.95 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,568.53
($1.96 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$9,761.72
($1.97 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,579.65
($1.94 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,126.74
($2.00 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
4.93 399 Reviews
Latest review
Tony Carrillo, 2 weeks ago
I was so excited to buy my new house in the Cathedral City cove! After completing the never ending stack of Escrow documents I was finally into my new place. I then started getting the new home bills and new I needed to get solar on my house in order to reduce the outrageously high SCE bills. I contacted Renova and began working with Cory Hartman. He made the process of putting solar onto my house so easy and the documents he presented were easy to understand and the few questions I had were answered to satisfaction. The customer service received was absolutely stellar! This is the second home with Renova and both installs were seamless. -Tony C.
Read more
Latest review
Tony Carrillo, 2 weeks ago
I was so excited to buy my new house in the Cathedral City cove! After completing the never ending stack of Escrow documents I was finally into my new place. I then started getting the new home bills and new I needed to get solar on my house in order to reduce the outrageously high SCE bills. I contacted Renova and began working with Cory Hartman. He made the process of putting solar onto my house so easy and the documents he presented were easy to understand and the few questions I had were answered to satisfaction. The customer service received was absolutely stellar! This is the second home with Renova and both installs were seamless. -Tony C.
4.90 282 Reviews
Latest review
Lo M, over 1 month
We were planning to get solar installed for a while. Finally, we went for it and made the April deadline before the net metering rules changed. Although, we would have done the installation regardless. A big shout-out goes to Cosmic Solar for providing us with stellar service. Pey Shadzi is an incredible wealth of knowledge and knows everything solar. Pey provided us with the best solar options based on our needs and usage. He is honest, personable, and genuine. The entire team kept us informed every step of the way and paid attention to all details. The team at Cosmic Solar made our installation a seamless process. Cosmic Solar is a reputable company. Our solar is up and running, and I am thrilled to be doing our part for the environment. Several solar installation companies broached us, and some companies were pushy. That was not the case with Cosmic. Hands down, I recommend Cosmic Solar for all your solar needs. This company goes the extra mile, and the whole process was a positive experience. It’s clear that customer service is this company's priority. Thank you to the team, Pey, Mary, Ashley, Hector, and Witchy!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$19,300 ($3.86 per watt)
Latest review
Lo M, over 1 month
We were planning to get solar installed for a while. Finally, we went for it and made the April deadline before the net metering rules changed. Although, we would have done the installation regardless. A big shout-out goes to Cosmic Solar for providing us with stellar service. Pey Shadzi is an incredible wealth of knowledge and knows everything solar. Pey provided us with the best solar options based on our needs and usage. He is honest, personable, and genuine. The entire team kept us informed every step of the way and paid attention to all details. The team at Cosmic Solar made our installation a seamless process. Cosmic Solar is a reputable company. Our solar is up and running, and I am thrilled to be doing our part for the environment. Several solar installation companies broached us, and some companies were pushy. That was not the case with Cosmic. Hands down, I recommend Cosmic Solar for all your solar needs. This company goes the extra mile, and the whole process was a positive experience. It’s clear that customer service is this company's priority. Thank you to the team, Pey, Mary, Ashley, Hector, and Witchy!
4.89 196 Reviews
Latest review
itang, over 1 month
Thank you so much, I've been wanting solar panels for years but they were so cost prohibitive. I'm glad it's gotten a lot less expensive and that Sunwork nonprofit offers solar panels at a low cost for those who can qualify. Appreciate it!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$13,500 ($2.70 per watt)
Latest review
itang, over 1 month
Thank you so much, I've been wanting solar panels for years but they were so cost prohibitive. I'm glad it's gotten a lot less expensive and that Sunwork nonprofit offers solar panels at a low cost for those who can qualify. Appreciate it!
4.85 185 Reviews
Latest review
Elina Guttmann, 4 days ago
Great experience working with Stellar Solar. Fast communication and the process was smooth and easy. Their team was on top of SDG&E to ensure our panels were switched on promptly and without delays. Highly recommend if you're on the market for solar panels!
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Latest review
Elina Guttmann, 4 days ago
Great experience working with Stellar Solar. Fast communication and the process was smooth and easy. Their team was on top of SDG&E to ensure our panels were switched on promptly and without delays. Highly recommend if you're on the market for solar panels!
4.79 66 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
As having solar system installed is a 20 years commitment, I spoke to 5 solar companies not just to compare the price but most importantly to see cross reference the information they provided.<br /><br />What I found out, sales reps mostly reply on the computer program generated quote. Interestingly, after analyzing the same PG&E electricity usage history, some quoted me 7.6kw and some quoted me 5.8kw system. That is a huge difference that I definitely would love to sort out why. Most sales rep will cite that is how their software calculates, some said that is based upon system needs to cover 100% PG&E usage. Only Ali from Highligh Solar clearly explained how PG&E Net Metering works, and made clear sense the system size he recommended.<br /><br />The most amazing about Ali is that any question I came up with, e.g. what is the back feed of my main panel, he can get me the right answer right away even after 6 weeks of his visit, with picture of my panel attached. <br /><br />Once the decision is made, Ali walked me through the proposal and contract review, and Dean, the owner, was also very accommodating to accept some revisions I requested.. <br /><br />Then Jesse helped with permits and project management, Sam helped with monitoring and PG&E application, plus the professional installation team who made the whole process as smooth as it gets.<br /><br />2 days after installation, I reported weird system reading from Solar Edge mobile app, Dean and Sam called Solar Edge and confirmed they need to replace the inverter, which then got scheduled and done in less than 2 days by next available technician.<br /><br />In the end, Dean also personally helped me understand Solar Edge monitor reading, and answer many solar production related questions!!!<br /><br />All in all, I highly recommend Highlight Solar for their well rounded professional team!!!!!! Their service deserved 6 stars!!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,550 ($3.91 per watt)
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
As having solar system installed is a 20 years commitment, I spoke to 5 solar companies not just to compare the price but most importantly to see cross reference the information they provided.<br /><br />What I found out, sales reps mostly reply on the computer program generated quote. Interestingly, after analyzing the same PG&E electricity usage history, some quoted me 7.6kw and some quoted me 5.8kw system. That is a huge difference that I definitely would love to sort out why. Most sales rep will cite that is how their software calculates, some said that is based upon system needs to cover 100% PG&E usage. Only Ali from Highligh Solar clearly explained how PG&E Net Metering works, and made clear sense the system size he recommended.<br /><br />The most amazing about Ali is that any question I came up with, e.g. what is the back feed of my main panel, he can get me the right answer right away even after 6 weeks of his visit, with picture of my panel attached. <br /><br />Once the decision is made, Ali walked me through the proposal and contract review, and Dean, the owner, was also very accommodating to accept some revisions I requested.. <br /><br />Then Jesse helped with permits and project management, Sam helped with monitoring and PG&E application, plus the professional installation team who made the whole process as smooth as it gets.<br /><br />2 days after installation, I reported weird system reading from Solar Edge mobile app, Dean and Sam called Solar Edge and confirmed they need to replace the inverter, which then got scheduled and done in less than 2 days by next available technician.<br /><br />In the end, Dean also personally helped me understand Solar Edge monitor reading, and answer many solar production related questions!!!<br /><br />All in all, I highly recommend Highlight Solar for their well rounded professional team!!!!!! Their service deserved 6 stars!!!
4.79 79 Reviews
Latest review
Gnyan Rama, over 1 month
Want to thank Meo and his team that made the solar instal project a breeze for us. He was always well prepared , took care of all the permits and installed the solar unit in record time (few weeks from planning to install). Inspections took a bit longer because of the city backlog. Highly recommend the team as trusted solar installers
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Average cost (5kW system)
$14,900 ($2.98 per watt)
Latest review
Gnyan Rama, over 1 month
Want to thank Meo and his team that made the solar instal project a breeze for us. He was always well prepared , took care of all the permits and installed the solar unit in record time (few weeks from planning to install). Inspections took a bit longer because of the city backlog. Highly recommend the team as trusted solar installers
4.79 30 Reviews
Latest review
James Hanacek, over 1 month
I dealt mainly with Jeff and he is very knowledgeable about his products and was straight forward and made recommendations based on my best interests. He even steering me away from purchasing other items, which most companies would not. My solar has been installed for four months and it has gone through the major storms we have had and I have had no issues and been nothing but pleased with the quality of work and communications I received throughout the entire process.
Read more
Latest review
James Hanacek, over 1 month
I dealt mainly with Jeff and he is very knowledgeable about his products and was straight forward and made recommendations based on my best interests. He even steering me away from purchasing other items, which most companies would not. My solar has been installed for four months and it has gone through the major storms we have had and I have had no issues and been nothing but pleased with the quality of work and communications I received throughout the entire process.
4.78 73 Reviews
Latest review
ted, over 1 month
I started my solar search at the start on March 1st, 2023. I wanted to get in on NEM2 as well as pay a fair price for a good system that met my current and future needs. I contacted Sol R Us along with other local installers and the big nationwide companies. I had 9 quotes of fairly similar systems but the prices varied greatly given the NEM2 rush. I went with Sol R Us because of the price, the equipment, working with their main sales contact Daniel as well as recommendations from others. Contract signed, PGE paperwork submitted, permit issued, install completed - 31 days from first contact. 2 weeks later city inspector came out and everything was good. I waited a few months to write this review to just make sure everything worked as expected and all is correct with my PGE billing. Everything is! 5 stars and would recommend Sol R Us.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,350 ($3.07 per watt)
Latest review
ted, over 1 month
I started my solar search at the start on March 1st, 2023. I wanted to get in on NEM2 as well as pay a fair price for a good system that met my current and future needs. I contacted Sol R Us along with other local installers and the big nationwide companies. I had 9 quotes of fairly similar systems but the prices varied greatly given the NEM2 rush. I went with Sol R Us because of the price, the equipment, working with their main sales contact Daniel as well as recommendations from others. Contract signed, PGE paperwork submitted, permit issued, install completed - 31 days from first contact. 2 weeks later city inspector came out and everything was good. I waited a few months to write this review to just make sure everything worked as expected and all is correct with my PGE billing. Everything is! 5 stars and would recommend Sol R Us.
4.76 85 Reviews
Latest review
Hampstead Way, 2 weeks ago
I am very happy with the service your company provided. The initial proposal was thorough, delivered to me in a timely way, and inspired confidence in the process. The installation was completed when promised. The work appears neat and carefully done. There have been no surprises.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$15,900 ($3.18 per watt)
Latest review
Hampstead Way, 2 weeks ago
I am very happy with the service your company provided. The initial proposal was thorough, delivered to me in a timely way, and inspired confidence in the process. The installation was completed when promised. The work appears neat and carefully done. There have been no surprises.
4.75 33 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
SunGreen did a wonderful job setting me up with solar panels at my new home. I was able to create the kind of design I wanted. Once installed, their tech support (Benny) has been outstanding in helping me understand how I can monitor the energy I'm producing. SunGreen is great and I highly recommend them.<br /><br />Everyone who get's solar in LA should know that LADWP does not pay you for the excess solar energy you create and send to their grid. I am still happy with my investment in solar because I don't have an electric bill (just the $22 tax every billing cycle for being hooked up to the grid) and my property value increased with the installation.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$26,650 ($5.33 per watt)
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
SunGreen did a wonderful job setting me up with solar panels at my new home. I was able to create the kind of design I wanted. Once installed, their tech support (Benny) has been outstanding in helping me understand how I can monitor the energy I'm producing. SunGreen is great and I highly recommend them.<br /><br />Everyone who get's solar in LA should know that LADWP does not pay you for the excess solar energy you create and send to their grid. I am still happy with my investment in solar because I don't have an electric bill (just the $22 tax every billing cycle for being hooked up to the grid) and my property value increased with the installation.
How much do solar systems using the most common brands of solar panels cost in Irvine in 2023?
Where there is no specific pricing information available for a brand then we have used state pricing data for that brand.
Table 2: Local solar panel manufacturers
| Solar panel manufacturer | Avg. cost per watt |
|---|---|
| Canadian Solar | $2.80 |
| LG Solar | $3.15 |
| SunPower | $3.26 |
| Panasonic | $3.18 |
| LONGi Solar | $2.73 |
Why solar panel cost should not be your only consideration when buying solar panels for your home
The most important difference between buying solar panels and any other purchase is that solar panels last 25-30 years. This is a long, long time and you will need customer service over all that time. The reviews below of the two largest corporate solar installation companies indicate larger corporate solar companies are not delivering this support to their customers.
We recommend you find a small or mid-size, local, family-owned solar company. These companies tend to care more about you and your specific job. You don't want to be on hold to a corporation's call center for the next 25 years!
What other factors affect the cost of solar panels for your home?
The cost of solar doesn't just include the equipment and installation costs - it’s also made up of permitting costs, inspection costs, and installer profit margins.
These different components are what make the price of solar fluctuate between installations. Some of the factors that affect solar power system installation costs for specific homes include:
The amount of electricity your home uses
Homes that use more electricity will need more solar panels to cover their energy needs.
Although solar panels do get cheaper on a per-watt basis, the overall cost of the system will increase as more panels are added.
But, the higher a home’s energy usage, the more solar panels can save the homeowners on their energy bills.
The type of solar panels you buy
The price of solar panels can vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose.
There are two main types of solar panels for residential solar installations: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient and more expensive than other solar panels. Polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency rating and come at a lower price point.
The type of inverter you buy will also influence the cost of your solar system.
The quality of your solar installation
You may see some solar quotes with prices that seem too good to be true.
If you get quoted for a ridiculously cheap price, the installer might be using low-quality equipment or an unsustainable pricing model. You want to use a solar installer that is charging enough so that they can stay in business - as you’ll be relying on them for the next 25 years!
It’s important to make sure that your installer is giving you the best quality at the best price possible. This is why getting multiple solar quotes is so important.
Federal, state, and local solar incentives
The overall cost of solar can be influenced by the solar incentives available.
Across the U.S., homeowners can apply for the federal solar tax credit. The solar tax credit makes installing solar more cost-effective by providing homeowners with a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of their installed solar panel system.
Local solar tax incentives and rebates can end up saving homeowners thousands on a solar installation, especially when they’re used with the federal solar tax credit.
See what solar incentives are available in your area by using our solar panel calculator.
How is the cost of solar panels offset by solar tax credits in Irvine?
The cost of installing residential solar panels in Irvine varies with the brand of solar panels and inverters you choose, the installation company you choose to install them, the relative ease or difficulty of installing solar panels on your home, and of course the amount of solar panels you need. The amount of solar panels you need is, in turn, related to your energy usage.
Are solar panels worth it in Irvine in 2023
The table below shows the data extracted from a real life quote delivered through the SolarReviews marketplace recently for a fairly typical home in Irvine.
As you can see the payback period is relatively short and equates to a much better return on investment than he historical returns that have been available from investing in things like shares or property.
Table 2: Cost, savings and payback period for an average residential solar system in Irvine
| System information | Value |
|---|---|
| System Size (for 100% usage offset) | 7.04 kW |
| Annual power generation | 8,333 kWh |
| Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) | 6.6 Years |
| Internal rate of return (IRR) on investment | 12.8% |
| Gross cost | $18,432 |
| Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates | -$7,292 |
| Net Cost of System after rebated and incentives | $11,137 |
| Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years | $58,320 |
Please note that the investment return figures do not include the possible increase in property value