Solar Panel Cost Guide in Corona, CA (2023 Update)
- Corona Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $15,196
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Corona
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Corona.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Corona generally cost about 2.73. The average Corona homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $28,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Corona find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Corona
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,284 |
| 3 years | $-5,147 |
| 5 years | $-5,010 |
| 7 years | $-4,873 |
| 9 years | $-4,736 |
| 11 years | $-4,599 |
| 13 years | $-4,462 |
| 15 years | $-4,325 |
| 17 years | $-4,188 |
| 19 years | $-4,051 |
| 21 years | $-3,914 |
| 23 years | $-3,777 |
| 25 years | $-3,640 |
Top Solar Installers in Corona
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in Corona
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Corona
The cost of installing a solar system in Corona can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Corona, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Corona homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Corona's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Corona have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $32,094 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,097 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,254 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $65,563 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,025 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $88,640 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $100,408 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $112,329 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability 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.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Corona, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Corona?
The average cost of solar panels in Corona 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Corona?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Corona?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.