Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clearlake Riviera, CA (2023 Update)
- Clearlake Riviera Solar Installation Cost: $5,850
- 25-Year Savings: $20,481
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clearlake Riviera
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clearlake Riviera.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clearlake Riviera, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Clearlake Riviera 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clearlake Riviera see about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clearlake Riviera
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,313 |
| 3 years | $-1,237 |
| 5 years | $1,839 |
| 7 years | $4,915 |
| 9 years | $7,991 |
| 11 years | $11,066 |
| 13 years | $14,142 |
| 15 years | $17,218 |
| 17 years | $20,294 |
| 19 years | $23,370 |
| 21 years | $26,445 |
| 23 years | $29,521 |
| 25 years | $32,597 |
Top Solar Installers in Clearlake Riviera
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Clearlake Riviera:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Clearlake Riviera
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearlake Riviera
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Clearlake Riviera. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Clearlake Riviera, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clearlake Riviera to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Clearlake Riviera homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $39,680 | 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 be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Clearlake Riviera, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clearlake Riviera?
The average cost of solar panels in Clearlake Riviera 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt 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 Riviera?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.