Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lockeford, CA (2023 Update)
- Lockeford Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,390
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lockeford
We go over average solar pricing in Lockeford.
In Lockeford, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Lockeford, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,790, or $8,280 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Lockeford homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lockeford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,743 |
| 3 years | $-2,649 |
| 5 years | $-554 |
| 7 years | $1,540 |
| 9 years | $3,635 |
| 11 years | $5,729 |
| 13 years | $7,823 |
| 15 years | $9,918 |
| 17 years | $12,012 |
| 19 years | $14,107 |
| 21 years | $16,201 |
| 23 years | $18,296 |
| 25 years | $20,390 |
Top Solar Installers in Lockeford
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Lockeford:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Lockeford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lockeford
There are several factors 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Lockeford, 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lockeford offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lockeford is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Lockeford have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $39,985 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,619 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,405 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,345 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,438 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,683 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,082 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,633 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Lockeford, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lockeford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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?
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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.