Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chino, CA (2023 Update)
- Chino Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $13,860
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chino
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Chino.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chino it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Chino, the average price of going solar will be about $5,485 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Chino depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Chino homeowner can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chino
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,301 |
| 3 years | $-1,932 |
| 5 years | $438 |
| 7 years | $2,807 |
| 9 years | $5,177 |
| 11 years | $7,546 |
| 13 years | $9,916 |
| 15 years | $12,285 |
| 17 years | $14,655 |
| 19 years | $17,024 |
| 21 years | $19,394 |
| 23 years | $21,763 |
| 25 years | $24,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Chino
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Chino
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chino
For many Chino homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chino, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chino to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $28,508 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,317 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,279 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,393 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,660 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $79,080 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,653 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $100,379 | 6.4 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. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chino?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Chino have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Chino?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.