Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lemon Hill, CA (Mar 2023)
- Lemon Hill Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $14,693
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lemon Hill
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lemon Hill.
In Lemon Hill, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,886 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Lemon Hill can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lemon Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,063 |
| 3 years | $-3,416 |
| 5 years | $-1,770 |
| 7 years | $-124 |
| 9 years | $1,523 |
| 11 years | $3,169 |
| 13 years | $4,815 |
| 15 years | $6,462 |
| 17 years | $8,108 |
| 19 years | $9,754 |
| 21 years | $11,401 |
| 23 years | $13,047 |
| 25 years | $14,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Lemon Hill
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Lemon Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lemon Hill
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Lemon Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Lemon Hill, 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lemon Hill average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lemon Hill, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lemon Hill have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $28,112 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,789 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,618 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,601 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,736 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,024 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,465 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,059 | 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company'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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Lemon Hill, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lemon Hill?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Lemon Hill have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.