Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Wildwood, CA (2023 Update)
- Lake Wildwood Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $20,445
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Wildwood
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Lake Wildwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lake Wildwood, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Lake Wildwood is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $8,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Lake Wildwood homeowner can save about $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Lake Wildwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Wildwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,833 |
| 3 years | $-2,726 |
| 5 years | $-620 |
| 7 years | $1,487 |
| 9 years | $3,593 |
| 11 years | $5,700 |
| 13 years | $7,806 |
| 15 years | $9,913 |
| 17 years | $12,019 |
| 19 years | $14,126 |
| 21 years | $16,232 |
| 23 years | $18,339 |
| 25 years | $20,445 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Wildwood
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Lake Wildwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Wildwood
For many Lake Wildwood homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lake Wildwood, 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 cost of a solar energy system in Lake Wildwood, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lake Wildwood, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lake Wildwood to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Lake Wildwood, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,322 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,735 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,301 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,019 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,891 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,916 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,093 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,423 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 large role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Lake Wildwood, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Wildwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Wildwood is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.