Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Smaller power bills: Producing some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Pomona Homeowners?
California's public agencies and power companies offer a range of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.
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 Pomona
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Consider each of these aspects in your company search.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar pool heaters, HVAC, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, and boilers. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar installers can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Pomona
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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Pomona. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Pomona solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,194 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $931 |
Thin-Film | $544 |
Solar Battery | $764 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,865 |
Financing Solar Energy in Pomona
Choosing the right financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and leases. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Pomona.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Pomona
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Pomona?
Will solar panels boost my Pomona home worth?
What if I live in a dark or gloomy
How long will a standard solar system last?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from installer, the government, local banks and specialty lenders. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are larger, and you'll be responsible for taking care of the system, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more benefits.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.