Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clearlake Riviera, CA (2025 Update)
- Clearlake Riviera 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 Riviera
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Clearlake Riviera.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clearlake Riviera it’s 3 per watt.The average Clearlake Riviera homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,436 with the federal tax credit, or $10,633 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Clearlake Riviera for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Clearlake Riviera
| 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 Riviera
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Clearlake Riviera
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearlake Riviera
The cost of installing a solar system in Clearlake Riviera can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Clearlake Riviera.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install 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 Riviera to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clearlake Riviera homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Clearlake Riviera is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 fit into 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar system 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.
EcoWatch's Clearlake Riviera, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clearlake Riviera?
The average cost of solar panels in Clearlake Riviera is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Clearlake Riviera?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 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 cover 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.