Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lockeford, CA (2024 Update)
- Lockeford Solar Installation Cost: $7,350
- 25-Year Savings: $20,397
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lockeford
We go over average solar pricing in Lockeford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lockeford typically cost around 3.The average Lockeford homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,350 with the federal tax credit, or $10,510 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Lockeford depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Lockeford homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lockeford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,812 |
| 3 years | $-2,737 |
| 5 years | $339 |
| 7 years | $3,415 |
| 9 years | $6,491 |
| 11 years | $9,567 |
| 13 years | $12,642 |
| 15 years | $15,718 |
| 17 years | $18,794 |
| 19 years | $21,870 |
| 21 years | $24,946 |
| 23 years | $28,021 |
| 25 years | $31,097 |
Top Solar Installers in Lockeford
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Lockeford, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Lockeford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lockeford
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Lockeford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Lockeford, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lockeford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Lockeford homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Lockeford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $36,752 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,392 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,225 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,254 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,476 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,893 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,504 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,309 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Lockeford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Lockeford, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lockeford?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lockeford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.