Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake California, CA (2024 Update)
- Lake California Solar Installation Cost: $7,686
- 25-Year Savings: $20,284
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake California
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lake California.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lake California typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Lake California is around 3.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,686 for a solar installation, or $10,991 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lake California homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lake California see about $32,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Lake California that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lake California
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,148 |
| 3 years | $-3,072 |
| 5 years | $3 |
| 7 years | $3,079 |
| 9 years | $6,155 |
| 11 years | $9,231 |
| 13 years | $12,307 |
| 15 years | $15,382 |
| 17 years | $18,458 |
| 19 years | $21,534 |
| 21 years | $24,610 |
| 23 years | $27,686 |
| 25 years | $30,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake California
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 California
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake California
There are a number of criteria that can affect your 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 a solar panel system in Lake California, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lake California average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lake California offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lake California 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Lake California, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $34,770 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $46,748 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $58,921 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $71,289 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $83,850 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $96,606 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $109,556 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $122,701 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 California, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake California?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake California 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lake California?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Lake California, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.