Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Bernardino, CA (2024 Update)
- San Bernardino Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $14,653
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Bernardino
We go over average solar pricing in San Bernardino.
In San Bernardino, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in San Bernardino is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,973 for a solar installation, or $9,971 before the 0 federal solar 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 installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in San Bernardino see about $27,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in San Bernardino for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in San Bernardino
| 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 San Bernardino
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in San Bernardino, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 San Bernardino
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Bernardino
Though the average cost of a solar system in San Bernardino is $6,973, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in San Bernardino, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $26,934 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $36,301 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $45,861 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $55,617 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $65,566 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $75,710 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $86,048 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $96,581 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability 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.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 San Bernardino, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Bernardino?
The average cost of solar panels in San Bernardino 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.