Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2024 Update)
- Rancho Cucamonga Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $13,283
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Cucamonga
We go over average solar pricing in Rancho Cucamonga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rancho Cucamonga, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Rancho Cucamonga 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rancho Cucamonga can save about $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Rancho Cucamonga that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Cucamonga
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Rancho Cucamonga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Cucamonga
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Rancho Cucamonga.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
Most solar companies in Rancho Cucamonga have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Rancho Cucamonga’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $24,071 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,483 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,090 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,891 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,886 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,076 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $77,459 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $87,038 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Rancho Cucamonga, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rancho Cucamonga?
This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Rancho Cucamonga?
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 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.