Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clearlake, CA (Mar 2023)
- Clearlake Solar Installation Cost: $5,848
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clearlake
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Clearlake.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clearlake typically cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Clearlake is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,848 for a solar installation, or $8,363 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Clearlake homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Clearlake, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clearlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,794 |
| 3 years | $-2,688 |
| 5 years | $-581 |
| 7 years | $1,525 |
| 9 years | $3,632 |
| 11 years | $5,738 |
| 13 years | $7,844 |
| 15 years | $9,951 |
| 17 years | $12,057 |
| 19 years | $14,164 |
| 21 years | $16,270 |
| 23 years | $18,377 |
| 25 years | $20,483 |
Top Solar Installers in Clearlake
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Clearlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearlake
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Clearlake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Clearlake, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Clearlake homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Clearlake is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $39,680 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,212 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,898 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,736 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,727 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,871 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,168 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,617 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Clearlake, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clearlake?
The average cost of solar panels in Clearlake 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Clearlake?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clearlake. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.