Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Arrowhead, CA (2024 Update)
- Lake Arrowhead Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $13,283
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Arrowhead
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lake Arrowhead.
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Arrowhead is 3 per watt.The average Lake Arrowhead homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,973 with the federal tax credit, or $9,971 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 will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Lake Arrowhead, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Arrowhead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,788 |
| 3 years | $-3,419 |
| 5 years | $-1,049 |
| 7 years | $1,320 |
| 9 years | $3,690 |
| 11 years | $6,059 |
| 13 years | $8,429 |
| 15 years | $10,798 |
| 17 years | $13,168 |
| 19 years | $15,537 |
| 21 years | $17,907 |
| 23 years | $20,276 |
| 25 years | $22,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Arrowhead
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Lake Arrowhead, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Lake Arrowhead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Arrowhead
For many Lake Arrowhead homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lake Arrowhead, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. The kind 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lake Arrowhead average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Lake Arrowhead homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Lake Arrowhead, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $24,071 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,483 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,090 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,891 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,886 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,076 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $77,459 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $87,038 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure 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 National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Lake Arrowhead, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Arrowhead?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Arrowhead 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lake Arrowhead is currently $592,896, which means you can look forward to a value of about $24,309 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lake Arrowhead is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.
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.