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

  • Upland Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,283
  • Payback Period: 9.3 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 Upland

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Upland.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Upland it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $6,973 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $25,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Upland find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Upland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Upland

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 Upland

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Upland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upland

There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Upland.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Upland is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $3.61 $15,157 $24,071 9.7 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,483 9.5 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,090 9.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $49,891 9.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $58,886 8.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,076 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $77,459 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $87,038 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 previous customers.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

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 Upland, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upland?

The average cost of solar panels in Upland 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upland?

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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.

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