Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Rialto Homeowners?
The state of California offers a number of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Below is 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 Rialto
The more informed your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Consider each of these aspects 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 water heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, pool heaters, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Rialto
The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar company offers these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.
A majority of Rialto homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,350 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information 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 Rialto
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to 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. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Rialto.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
| 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 Rialto
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Rialto?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What if I live in a gloomy or heavily-wooded
How can I assess my property's solar potential?
How long is a Rialto solar panel's average lifespan?
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
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