Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lakeport, CA (2023 Update)
- Lakeport Solar Installation Cost: $5,850
- 25-Year Savings: $20,481
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lakeport
We break down average solar pricing in Lakeport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lakeport it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lakeport, the average price of going solar will be about $5,848 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lakeport homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Lakeport can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lakeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,313 |
| 3 years | $-1,237 |
| 5 years | $1,839 |
| 7 years | $4,915 |
| 9 years | $7,991 |
| 11 years | $11,066 |
| 13 years | $14,142 |
| 15 years | $17,218 |
| 17 years | $20,294 |
| 19 years | $23,370 |
| 21 years | $26,445 |
| 23 years | $29,521 |
| 25 years | $32,597 |
Top Solar Installers in Lakeport
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
Working with a vetted 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
See all of the solar companies in Lakeport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lakeport
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Lakeport, one of the most important 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 figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lakeport to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lakeport, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 | $39,680 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,212 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,898 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,736 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,727 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,871 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,168 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,617 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Lakeport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Lakeport, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lakeport?
The average cost of solar panels in Lakeport is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lakeport?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Lakeport?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.