Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn Lake Trails, CA (2023 Update)
- Auburn Lake Trails Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $20,445
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn Lake Trails
We go over average solar pricing in Auburn Lake Trails.
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn Lake Trails is 2.73 per watt. The average Auburn Lake Trails homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,886 with the federal tax credit, or $8,417 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Auburn Lake Trails can save about $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Auburn Lake Trails for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Auburn Lake Trails
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,833 |
| 3 years | $-2,726 |
| 5 years | $-620 |
| 7 years | $1,487 |
| 9 years | $3,593 |
| 11 years | $5,700 |
| 13 years | $7,806 |
| 15 years | $9,913 |
| 17 years | $12,019 |
| 19 years | $14,126 |
| 21 years | $16,232 |
| 23 years | $18,339 |
| 25 years | $20,445 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn Lake Trails
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Auburn Lake Trails
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn Lake Trails
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Auburn Lake Trails homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Auburn Lake Trails homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. Auburn Lake Trails' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,290 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,692 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,247 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,955 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,816 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,830 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $121,997 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,316 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Auburn Lake Trails, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Auburn Lake Trails, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn Lake Trails?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn Lake Trails is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Auburn Lake Trails?
Solar panels aren't free in Auburn Lake Trails, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Auburn Lake Trails?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.