Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upland, CA (2023 Update)
- Upland Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $13,284
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upland
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Upland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Upland it's 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Upland, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,485, or $7,844 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Upland homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Upland can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Upland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Upland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,734 |
| 3 years | $-3,232 |
| 5 years | $-1,731 |
| 7 years | $-229 |
| 9 years | $1,272 |
| 11 years | $2,774 |
| 13 years | $4,275 |
| 15 years | $5,777 |
| 17 years | $7,278 |
| 19 years | $8,780 |
| 21 years | $10,281 |
| 23 years | $11,783 |
| 25 years | $13,284 |
Top Solar Installers in Upland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Upland, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Upland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upland
The cost of installing a solar system in Upland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Upland. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Upland to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Upland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,303 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,710 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,270 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,982 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,848 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,866 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,038 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $96,362 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Upland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upland?
The average cost of solar panels in Upland is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like 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 Upland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upland?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.