Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clearlake, CA (2025 Update)
- Clearlake Solar Installation Cost: $7,436
- 25-Year Savings: $20,481
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clearlake
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Clearlake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clearlake it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,436 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Clearlake depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clearlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,898 |
| 3 years | $-2,823 |
| 5 years | $253 |
| 7 years | $3,329 |
| 9 years | $6,405 |
| 11 years | $9,481 |
| 13 years | $12,556 |
| 15 years | $15,632 |
| 17 years | $18,708 |
| 19 years | $21,784 |
| 21 years | $24,860 |
| 23 years | $27,935 |
| 25 years | $31,011 |
Top Solar Installers in Clearlake
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Clearlake, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Clearlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearlake
While the average cost of a solar system in Clearlake is $7,436, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clearlake to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Clearlake, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,448 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,985 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,718 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,644 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,765 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,080 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,589 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,293 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Clearlake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clearlake?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.