Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Isabella, CA (2024 Update)
- Lake Isabella Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $13,233
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Isabella
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Lake Isabella.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lake Isabella it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $7,037 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lake Isabella see about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Isabella
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,852 |
| 3 years | $-3,483 |
| 5 years | $-1,113 |
| 7 years | $1,256 |
| 9 years | $3,626 |
| 11 years | $5,995 |
| 13 years | $8,365 |
| 15 years | $10,734 |
| 17 years | $13,104 |
| 19 years | $15,473 |
| 21 years | $17,843 |
| 23 years | $20,212 |
| 25 years | $22,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Isabella
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Isabella
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Isabella
Although the average cost of a solar system in Lake Isabella is $7,037, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lake Isabella, 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 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 brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option 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.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lake Isabella homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lake Isabella is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $23,713 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,006 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $40,494 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,176 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,052 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $67,122 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $76,387 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $85,846 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Isabella, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Isabella?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Isabella is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 Isabella?
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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Lake Isabella?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually 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.