Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lathrop, CA (Mar 2023)
- Lathrop Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,510
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lathrop
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Lathrop.
In Lathrop, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Lathrop, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,790, or $8,280 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $33,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lathrop find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Lathrop that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lathrop
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,738 |
| 3 years | $-2,634 |
| 5 years | $-530 |
| 7 years | $1,574 |
| 9 years | $3,678 |
| 11 years | $5,782 |
| 13 years | $7,886 |
| 15 years | $9,990 |
| 17 years | $12,094 |
| 19 years | $14,198 |
| 21 years | $16,302 |
| 23 years | $18,406 |
| 25 years | $20,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Lathrop
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Lathrop, we've organized 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 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 Lathrop
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lathrop
While the average cost of a solar system in Lathrop is $5,790, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need 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 $2,730. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lathrop have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to include 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,224 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,937 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,804 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,823 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,995 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,321 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,799 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,430 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Lathrop, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lathrop?
The average cost of solar panels in Lathrop 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lathrop?
Solar panels aren't free in Lathrop, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,738.28 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.