Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hidden Valley Lake, CA (2023 Update)
- Hidden Valley Lake Solar Installation Cost: $5,848
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hidden Valley Lake
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Hidden Valley Lake.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hidden Valley Lake typically cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Hidden Valley Lake 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 Hidden Valley Lake homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Hidden Valley Lake see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hidden Valley Lake
| 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 Hidden Valley Lake
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Hidden Valley Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hidden Valley Lake
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Hidden Valley Lake, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Hidden Valley Lake homeowners opt 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Hidden Valley Lake have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are many companies to choose from in Hidden Valley Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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 part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Hidden Valley Lake, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hidden Valley Lake?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hidden Valley Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Hidden Valley Lake have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.