Solar Panel Cost Guide in Corning, CA (2024 Update)
- Corning Solar Installation Cost: $7,686
- 25-Year Savings: $20,284
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Corning
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Corning.
The average cost of a solar system in Corning is 3 per watt.The average Corning homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,686 with the federal tax credit, or $10,991 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Corning depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Corning see about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Corning
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,148 |
| 3 years | $-3,072 |
| 5 years | $3 |
| 7 years | $3,079 |
| 9 years | $6,155 |
| 11 years | $9,231 |
| 13 years | $12,307 |
| 15 years | $15,382 |
| 17 years | $18,458 |
| 19 years | $21,534 |
| 21 years | $24,610 |
| 23 years | $27,686 |
| 25 years | $30,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Corning
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Corning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Corning
There are many factors that can influence your 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 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Corning.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Corning, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Corning have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $34,770 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $46,748 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $58,921 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $71,289 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $83,850 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $96,606 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $109,556 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $122,701 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Corning, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Corning, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Corning?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Corning?
Solar panels aren’t free in Corning, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Corning?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.