Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colton, CA (2023 Update)
- Colton Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $16,008
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colton
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Colton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Colton, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,485 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Colton can save around $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,414 |
| 3 years | $-5,271 |
| 5 years | $-5,128 |
| 7 years | $-4,984 |
| 9 years | $-4,841 |
| 11 years | $-4,698 |
| 13 years | $-4,555 |
| 15 years | $-4,411 |
| 17 years | $-4,268 |
| 19 years | $-4,125 |
| 21 years | $-3,981 |
| 23 years | $-3,838 |
| 25 years | $-3,695 |
Top Solar Installers in Colton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Colton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colton
For many Colton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Colton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Colton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Colton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Colton, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $32,999 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,304 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $55,763 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,374 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,138 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $91,055 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,125 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $115,347 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Colton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Colton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colton?
The average cost of solar panels in Colton 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 certain factors like the kind 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 Colton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Colton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Colton?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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.