Solar Panel Cost Guide in Covina, CA (2023 Update)
- Covina Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,427
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Covina
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Covina.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Covina generally cost about 2.73. The average Covina homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,446 with the federal tax credit, or $7,788 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Covina homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $25,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Covina find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Covina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,691 |
| 3 years | $-3,182 |
| 5 years | $-1,672 |
| 7 years | $-162 |
| 9 years | $1,348 |
| 11 years | $2,858 |
| 13 years | $4,368 |
| 15 years | $5,878 |
| 17 years | $7,387 |
| 19 years | $8,897 |
| 21 years | $10,407 |
| 23 years | $11,917 |
| 25 years | $13,427 |
Top Solar Installers in Covina
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. 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.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Covina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Covina
For many Covina homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Covina, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Covina to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Covina, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $27,822 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,401 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,134 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,019 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,058 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $77,249 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $87,593 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $98,090 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Covina, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Covina?
The average cost of solar panels in Covina 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 cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 Covina is currently $494,348, which means you can expect a value of about $20,268 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Covina is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Covina?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.