Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Covina, CA (2023 Update)
- West Covina Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,323
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Covina
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Covina.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Covina generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,446 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in West Covina based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Covina find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in West Covina for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Covina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,696 |
| 3 years | $-3,194 |
| 5 years | $-1,693 |
| 7 years | $-191 |
| 9 years | $1,310 |
| 11 years | $2,812 |
| 13 years | $4,314 |
| 15 years | $5,815 |
| 17 years | $7,317 |
| 19 years | $8,818 |
| 21 years | $10,320 |
| 23 years | $11,821 |
| 25 years | $13,323 |
Top Solar Installers in West Covina
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 West Covina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Covina
While the average cost of a solar system in West Covina is $5,446, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Covina to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal 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 company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in West Covina have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $27,602 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,109 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,769 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,581 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,546 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,664 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,935 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $97,359 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 West Covina, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Covina?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Covina?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Covina. 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 West Covina?
Most states have 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 account for 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.