Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colton, CA (2023 Update)
- Colton Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $16,010
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Colton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Colton is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Colton, the average price of going solar will be about $5,485 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Colton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $28,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,625 |
| 3 years | $-2,905 |
| 5 years | $-1,186 |
| 7 years | $534 |
| 9 years | $2,253 |
| 11 years | $3,973 |
| 13 years | $5,692 |
| 15 years | $7,412 |
| 17 years | $9,132 |
| 19 years | $10,851 |
| 21 years | $12,571 |
| 23 years | $14,290 |
| 25 years | $16,010 |
Top Solar Installers in Colton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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
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 Colton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colton
The cost of installing a solar system in Colton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Colton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than 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
Most solar companies in Colton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Colton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Colton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $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
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 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.