Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chino, CA (2024 Update)
- Chino Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $13,860
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chino
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Chino.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chino, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chino 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 panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chino
| 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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Chino
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chino
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Chino: 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 significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Chino.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chino average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chino to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chino is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $25,276 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $34,090 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $43,099 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $52,301 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $61,698 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $71,289 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $81,075 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $91,055 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Chino, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Chino, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chino?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Chino?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Chino?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.