Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fontana, CA (2023 Update)
- Fontana Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $13,728
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fontana
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fontana.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fontana, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Fontana homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,485 with the federal tax credit, or $7,844 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fontana can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Fontana, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fontana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,716 |
| 3 years | $-3,179 |
| 5 years | $-1,642 |
| 7 years | $-105 |
| 9 years | $1,432 |
| 11 years | $2,969 |
| 13 years | $4,506 |
| 15 years | $6,043 |
| 17 years | $7,580 |
| 19 years | $9,117 |
| 21 years | $10,654 |
| 23 years | $12,191 |
| 25 years | $13,728 |
Top Solar Installers in Fontana
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Fontana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fontana
For many Fontana homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fontana, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fontana homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fontana, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $28,229 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,945 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,813 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,835 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,009 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,336 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,816 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,449 | 6.4 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fontana, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fontana?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fontana?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 keep using 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.