Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Bernardino, CA (2024 Update)

  • San Bernardino Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,653
  • Payback Period: 8.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Bernardino

We go over average solar pricing in San Bernardino.

In San Bernardino, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in San Bernardino, the average price of going solar will be about $6,973 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in San Bernardino can save around $27,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in San Bernardino for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in San Bernardino

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,788
3 years $-3,419
5 years $-1,049
7 years $1,320
9 years $3,690
11 years $6,059
13 years $8,429
15 years $10,798
17 years $13,168
19 years $15,537
21 years $17,907
23 years $20,276
25 years $22,646

Top Solar Installers in San Bernardino

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in San Bernardino:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 San Bernardino

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Bernardino

There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems 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 $3,470.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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the San Bernardino average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in San Bernardino, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in San Bernardino, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $26,934 9.0 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $36,301 8.8 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $45,861 8.7 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $55,617 8.5 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $65,566 8.3 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $75,710 8.1 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $86,048 8.0 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $96,581 7.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in San Bernardino, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's San Bernardino, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Bernardino?

This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in San Bernardino is currently $456,866, which means you could be looking at a value of about $18,732 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in San Bernardino is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically 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.

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