Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Covina, CA (2024 Update)

  • West Covina Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,325
  • Payback Period: 9.2 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 West Covina

We break down average solar pricing in West Covina.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Covina generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,920 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in West Covina, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West Covina

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,736
3 years $-3,366
5 years $-997
7 years $1,373
9 years $3,742
11 years $6,112
13 years $8,481
15 years $10,851
17 years $13,220
19 years $15,590
21 years $17,959
23 years $20,329
25 years $22,698

Top Solar Installers in West Covina

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in West Covina:

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 West Covina

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Covina

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in West Covina: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in West Covina, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Covina average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many West Covina homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 $3.61 $15,157 $24,370 9.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,882 9.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,589 9.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $50,489 9.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $59,584 8.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,874 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $78,357 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $88,035 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

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 West Covina, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Covina?

The average cost of solar panels in West Covina is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Covina?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.

Does West Covina have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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 long do solar panels last in West Covina?

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 choose to replace them after having 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.

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