Solar Panel Cost Guide in Corning, CA (2023 Update)
- Corning Solar Installation Cost: $6,047
- 25-Year Savings: $20,284
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Corning
We go over average solar pricing in Corning.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Corning, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Corning homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,039 with the federal tax credit, or $8,636 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Corning homeowners see about $32,000 in savings on energy 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 Corning
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,959 |
| 3 years | $-5,784 |
| 5 years | $-5,608 |
| 7 years | $-5,433 |
| 9 years | $-5,257 |
| 11 years | $-5,082 |
| 13 years | $-4,906 |
| 15 years | $-4,730 |
| 17 years | $-4,555 |
| 19 years | $-4,379 |
| 21 years | $-4,204 |
| 23 years | $-4,028 |
| 25 years | $-3,853 |
Top Solar Installers in Corning
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Corning, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Corning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Corning
Although the average cost of a solar system in Corning is $6,039, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Corning. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Corning, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Corning, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $38,002 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,975 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,101 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $77,380 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $90,812 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $104,397 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $118,134 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $132,025 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Corning, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Corning?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want other 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 want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Corning?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
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 Corning is currently $190,500, so you can expect a value of about $7,810 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Corning is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Corning?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.