Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake of the Pines, CA (2024 Update)

  • Lake of the Pines Solar Installation Cost: $7,488
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,440
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake of the Pines

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Lake of the Pines.

In Lake of the Pines, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,488 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Lake of the Pines depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Lake of the Pines homeowners see about $32,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lake of the Pines

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,950
3 years $-2,875
5 years $201
7 years $3,277
9 years $6,353
11 years $9,429
13 years $12,504
15 years $15,580
17 years $18,656
19 years $21,732
21 years $24,808
23 years $27,883
25 years $30,959

Top Solar Installers in Lake of the Pines

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're looking for a solar company in Lake of the Pines, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 of the Pines

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake of the Pines

For many Lake of the Pines homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lake of the Pines, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Lake of the Pines, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Lake of the Pines provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Lake of the Pines 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 help you save 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 $3.61 $15,157 $36,089 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,508 7.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,121 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $73,928 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $86,929 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,125 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,515 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,099 6.4 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar company’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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lake of the Pines, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake of the Pines?

The average cost of solar panels in Lake of the Pines 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Lake of the Pines?

Solar panels aren’t free in Lake of the Pines, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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