Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Fontana Homeowners?
California homeowners who go solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, special financing and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: boe.ca.govIncentive Amount:
100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: wrcog.usIncentive Amount:
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: selfgenca.comIncentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff
Website: cpuc.ca.govIncentive Type: Feed-in Tariff
Website: ladwp.comIncentive Amount:
$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: gosolarcalifornia.ca.govIncentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fontana
The more informed your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Consider all of these elements in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, HVAC, water heaters, pool heaters, and boilers. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn a license. Solar providers can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Fontana
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor provides these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.
If you're a resident of Fontana and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,350 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,314 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $1,025 |
| Thin-Film | $599 |
| Solar Battery | $841 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $3,154 |
Financing Solar Energy in Fontana
Choosing the right financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Fontana.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.4 years |
| 2 kW | 2.7 years |
| 5 kW | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | 13.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Fontana
How much money could I save by going solar in Fontana?
How popular is solar energy in Fontana?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
What can I do to predict my home's solar viability?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What size should my new Fontana solar system be?
How can I enhance my solar array's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
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