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
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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 around 3.The average Bloomington homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,973 with the federal tax credit, or $9,971 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Bloomington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Bloomington.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bloomington to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect the cost. Bloomington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bloomington know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from previous 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 actual cost will depend on stuff 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 in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bloomington?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.