Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverside, CA (2024 Update)
- Riverside Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $15,599
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverside
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Riverside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Riverside it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Riverside is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,803 for a solar installation, or $9,728 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, 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 Riverside find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Riverside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Riverside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,657 |
| 3 years | $-3,365 |
| 5 years | $-1,072 |
| 7 years | $1,220 |
| 9 years | $3,512 |
| 11 years | $5,804 |
| 13 years | $8,097 |
| 15 years | $10,389 |
| 17 years | $12,681 |
| 19 years | $14,974 |
| 21 years | $17,266 |
| 23 years | $19,558 |
| 25 years | $21,851 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverside
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Riverside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Riverside, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Riverside have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Riverside is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $29,725 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,022 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $50,513 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $61,199 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $72,079 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $83,153 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $94,422 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $105,885 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Riverside, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Riverside?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Riverside?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Riverside. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Riverside?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.