Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lakeport, CA (2024 Update)
- Lakeport Solar Installation Cost: $7,436
- 25-Year Savings: $20,481
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lakeport
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lakeport.
The average cost of a solar system in Lakeport is 3 per watt.The average Lakeport homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,436 with the federal tax credit, or $10,633 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Lakeport can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Lakeport, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lakeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,898 |
| 3 years | $-2,823 |
| 5 years | $253 |
| 7 years | $3,329 |
| 9 years | $6,405 |
| 11 years | $9,481 |
| 13 years | $12,556 |
| 15 years | $15,632 |
| 17 years | $18,708 |
| 19 years | $21,784 |
| 21 years | $24,860 |
| 23 years | $27,935 |
| 25 years | $31,011 |
Top Solar Installers in Lakeport
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Lakeport, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lakeport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lakeport
For many Lakeport homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lakeport, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably 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 nearly $3,470. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lakeport homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Lakeport, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $36,448 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,985 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,718 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,644 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,765 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,080 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,589 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,293 | 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Lakeport, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lakeport?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Lakeport?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.