Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bonita, CA (2024 Update)
- Bonita Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
- 25-Year Savings: $17,661
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bonita
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bonita.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bonita generally cost about 3.The average Bonita homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,837 with the federal tax credit, or $9,777 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $31,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bonita find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Bonita for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bonita
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,178 |
| 3 years | $-1,860 |
| 5 years | $1,459 |
| 7 years | $4,777 |
| 9 years | $8,095 |
| 11 years | $11,413 |
| 13 years | $14,731 |
| 15 years | $18,050 |
| 17 years | $21,368 |
| 19 years | $24,686 |
| 21 years | $28,004 |
| 23 years | $31,322 |
| 25 years | $34,641 |
Top Solar Installers in Bonita
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Bonita
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bonita
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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
Most solar installers in Bonita have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bonita, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $33,955 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,662 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,564 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,659 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,949 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $94,434 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,112 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,985 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Bonita, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bonita?
The average cost of solar panels in Bonita 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bonita?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bonita, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.