Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rialto, CA (2023 Update)
- Rialto Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $14,363
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rialto
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Rialto.
In Rialto, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rialto, the average price of going solar will be about $5,485 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rialto homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rialto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,301 |
| 3 years | $-1,932 |
| 5 years | $438 |
| 7 years | $2,807 |
| 9 years | $5,177 |
| 11 years | $7,546 |
| 13 years | $9,916 |
| 15 years | $12,285 |
| 17 years | $14,655 |
| 19 years | $17,024 |
| 21 years | $19,394 |
| 23 years | $21,763 |
| 25 years | $24,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Rialto
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Rialto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rialto
For many Rialto homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rialto, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Rialto. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rialto average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Rialto homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $29,560 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $39,719 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $50,031 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $60,496 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $71,114 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $81,885 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $92,808 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $103,884 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Rialto, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Rialto, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rialto?
The average cost of solar panels in Rialto 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rialto?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.