Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bloomington, CA (2023 Update)
- Bloomington Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $14,259
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bloomington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bloomington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bloomington it's 2.73 per watt. The average Bloomington homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,485 with the federal tax credit, or $7,844 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bloomington homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $26,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bloomington find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Bloomington for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bloomington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,695 |
| 3 years | $-3,115 |
| 5 years | $-1,536 |
| 7 years | $44 |
| 9 years | $1,623 |
| 11 years | $3,203 |
| 13 years | $4,782 |
| 15 years | $6,362 |
| 17 years | $7,941 |
| 19 years | $9,521 |
| 21 years | $11,100 |
| 23 years | $12,680 |
| 25 years | $14,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Bloomington
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bloomington:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Bloomington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bloomington
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bloomington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Bloomington. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bloomington, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bloomington homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Bloomington's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $29,341 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $39,427 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $49,666 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $60,057 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $70,602 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $81,299 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $92,150 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $103,153 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bloomington, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bloomington?
The average cost of solar panels in Bloomington is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bloomington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bloomington?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.