Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emerald Lake Hills, CA (2023 Update)
- Emerald Lake Hills Solar Installation Cost: $5,864
- 25-Year Savings: $20,467
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emerald Lake Hills
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Emerald Lake Hills.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Emerald Lake Hills it's 2.73 per watt. The average Emerald Lake Hills homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,867 with the federal tax credit, or $8,390 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Emerald Lake Hills can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emerald Lake Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,776 |
| 3 years | $-5,601 |
| 5 years | $-5,425 |
| 7 years | $-5,250 |
| 9 years | $-5,074 |
| 11 years | $-4,899 |
| 13 years | $-4,723 |
| 15 years | $-4,548 |
| 17 years | $-4,372 |
| 19 years | $-4,196 |
| 21 years | $-4,021 |
| 23 years | $-3,845 |
| 25 years | $-3,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Emerald Lake Hills
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
See all of the solar companies in Emerald Lake Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emerald Lake Hills
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Emerald Lake Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Emerald Lake Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Emerald Lake Hills homeowners, they can also add to 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
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Emerald Lake Hills, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better 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 lower 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,560 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,052 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,698 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,496 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,447 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,551 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,808 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,218 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Emerald Lake Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emerald Lake Hills?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Emerald Lake Hills?
You can't get solar panels for free in Emerald Lake Hills. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Emerald Lake Hills?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.
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.