Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yucaipa, CA (2023 Update)
- Yucaipa 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 Yucaipa
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Yucaipa.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Yucaipa generally cost about 2.73. The average Yucaipa homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,485 with the federal tax credit, or $7,844 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Yucaipa homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Yucaipa
| 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 Yucaipa
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Yucaipa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yucaipa
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Yucaipa is $5,485, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Yucaipa. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Yucaipa, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Yucaipa homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Yucaipa, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Yucaipa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Yucaipa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Yucaipa?
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 don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Yucaipa is currently $363,584, so you can look forward to a value of about $14,907 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Yucaipa is a rewarding investment.
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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.