Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lakeside, CA (2024 Update)

  • Lakeside Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,661
  • Payback Period: 7.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lakeside

We go over average solar pricing in Lakeside.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lakeside, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lakeside, the average price of going solar will be about $6,837 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Lakeside can save around $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lakeside

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,178
3 years$-1,860
5 years$1,459
7 years$4,777
9 years$8,095
11 years$11,413
13 years$14,731
15 years$18,050
17 years$21,368
19 years$24,686
21 years$28,004
23 years$31,322
25 years$34,641

Top Solar Installers in Lakeside

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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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 Lakeside

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lakeside

There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lakeside, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Lakeside, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$33,9557.7 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$45,6627.6 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$57,5647.4 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$69,6597.3 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$81,9497.1 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$94,4347.0 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$107,1126.8 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$119,9856.7 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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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 Lakeside, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lakeside?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Lakeside?

Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 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.