Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Chino Hills, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've compiled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Chino Hills.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Chino Hills or pick a well-known national brand.
While solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Chino Hills homeowners to save $780 on average each year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Focus your search on Chino Hills solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Chino Hills and the surrounding area get plenty of sunlight, which allows homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are the top reasons for switching to solar power:
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Chino Hills, solar panel installation costs an average of $6,973, per data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
While solar panel installation can be a big initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
After fully switching to solar power, Chino Hills homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
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Several solar incentives are available to Chino Hills homeowners. Certain programs are open to all California residents, while others vary by utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to California residents, according to DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | 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. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | 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. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | 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 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
Consider the following before hiring a solar installation expert.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't expansive enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state regulations could impact your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
To store additional energy, many panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is invaluable when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, adding battery storage could increase installation costs.
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements influence cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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