Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chino Hills, CA (Mar 2023)
- Chino Hills Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $14,057
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chino Hills
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Chino Hills.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chino Hills it's 2.73 per watt. The average Chino Hills 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Chino Hills see about $26,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Chino Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chino Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,703 |
| 3 years | $-3,140 |
| 5 years | $-1,576 |
| 7 years | $-13 |
| 9 years | $1,550 |
| 11 years | $3,114 |
| 13 years | $4,677 |
| 15 years | $6,240 |
| 17 years | $7,804 |
| 19 years | $9,367 |
| 21 years | $10,930 |
| 23 years | $12,494 |
| 25 years | $14,057 |
Top Solar Installers in Chino Hills
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chino Hills, we've put together 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Chino Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chino Hills
There are many criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Chino Hills. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chino Hills, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Chino Hills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chino Hills are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $28,917 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,862 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,960 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $59,211 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $69,614 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $80,171 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $90,880 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $101,742 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chino Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chino Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Chino Hills is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chino Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chino Hills is currently $572,287, which means you can look forward to a value of about $23,464 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chino Hills is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Chino Hills?
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 higher 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.