Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverside, CA (2023 Update)
- Riverside Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $15,599
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverside
We go over average solar pricing in Riverside.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Riverside typically cost about 2.73. The average Riverside homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Riverside depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Riverside that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Riverside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,206 |
| 3 years | $-1,914 |
| 5 years | $378 |
| 7 years | $2,671 |
| 9 years | $4,963 |
| 11 years | $7,255 |
| 13 years | $9,548 |
| 15 years | $11,840 |
| 17 years | $14,132 |
| 19 years | $16,425 |
| 21 years | $18,717 |
| 23 years | $21,009 |
| 25 years | $23,302 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverside
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
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
See all of the solar companies in Riverside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside
While the average cost of a solar system in Riverside is $5,351, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Riverside to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 want and also fit into 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 | $32,957 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,249 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $55,693 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,291 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,041 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $90,944 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,000 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $115,209 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though 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.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Riverside, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Riverside?
The average cost of solar panels in Riverside 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Riverside, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Riverside?
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.