Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chino Hills, CA (2024 Update)
- Chino Hills Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $14,055
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chino Hills
We break down average solar pricing in Chino Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chino Hills, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Chino Hills homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,973 with the federal tax credit, or $9,971 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chino Hills homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $26,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chino Hills find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chino Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,788 |
| 3 years | $-3,419 |
| 5 years | $-1,049 |
| 7 years | $1,320 |
| 9 years | $3,690 |
| 11 years | $6,059 |
| 13 years | $8,429 |
| 15 years | $10,798 |
| 17 years | $13,168 |
| 19 years | $15,537 |
| 21 years | $17,907 |
| 23 years | $20,276 |
| 25 years | $22,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Chino Hills
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Chino Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chino Hills
The cost of installing a solar system in Chino Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Chino Hills, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chino Hills homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Chino Hills homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Chino Hills, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Chino Hills have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $25,685 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $34,635 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $43,780 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $53,119 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $62,652 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $72,380 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $82,302 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $92,418 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Chino Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chino Hills?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Chino Hills have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Chino Hills?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.