Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bloomington, CA (2024 Update)

  • Bloomington Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,646
  • Payback Period: 8.8 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 Bloomington

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bloomington.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bloomington typically cost about 3.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bloomington, the average price of going solar will be about $6,973 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bloomington

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 Bloomington

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Bloomington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bloomington

Though the average cost of a solar system in Bloomington is $6,973, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Bloomington, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bloomington, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bloomington, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bloomington homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bloomington, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $26,108 9.2 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $35,200 9.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $44,486 8.8 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $53,966 8.7 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $63,640 8.5 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $73,509 8.3 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $83,572 8.1 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $93,829 7.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Bloomington, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bloomington?

The average cost of solar panels in Bloomington 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

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

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Bloomington have a net metering program?

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 electricity 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 how much 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 get 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.

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