Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fontana, CA (2023 Update)
- Fontana Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $13,726
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fontana
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fontana.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fontana is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,485 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fontana find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fontana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,422 |
| 3 years | $-5,294 |
| 5 years | $-5,166 |
| 7 years | $-5,038 |
| 9 years | $-4,910 |
| 11 years | $-4,782 |
| 13 years | $-4,654 |
| 15 years | $-4,525 |
| 17 years | $-4,397 |
| 19 years | $-4,269 |
| 21 years | $-4,141 |
| 23 years | $-4,013 |
| 25 years | $-3,885 |
Top Solar Installers in Fontana
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fontana, we've put together 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 Fontana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fontana
The cost of installing a solar system in Fontana can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fontana average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility 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 increases your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Fontana's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Fontana, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fontana?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fontana?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Fontana?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fontana?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.