Solar Panel Cost Guide in Corona, CA (2024 Update)
- Corona Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $15,196
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Corona
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Corona.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Corona typically cost about 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Corona, 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 only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Corona that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Corona
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,619 |
| 3 years | $-3,249 |
| 5 years | $-880 |
| 7 years | $1,490 |
| 9 years | $3,859 |
| 11 years | $6,229 |
| 13 years | $8,598 |
| 15 years | $10,968 |
| 17 years | $13,337 |
| 19 years | $15,707 |
| 21 years | $18,076 |
| 23 years | $20,446 |
| 25 years | $22,815 |
Top Solar Installers in Corona
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because 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.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Corona
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Corona
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Corona, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Corona, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $28,861 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,870 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,074 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $59,471 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $70,063 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $80,850 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $91,830 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $103,005 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total 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 Corona, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Corona?
The average cost of solar panels in Corona is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Corona?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Corona. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Corona?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.