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

  • Lodi Solar Installation Cost: $7,350
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,511
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Lodi

We go over average solar pricing in Lodi.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lodi generally cost around 3.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lodi, the average price of going solar will be about $7,350 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Lodi can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Lodi, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lodi

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,904
3 years $-3,010
5 years $-117
7 years $2,776
9 years $5,669
11 years $8,563
13 years $11,456
15 years $14,349
17 years $17,243
19 years $20,136
21 years $23,029
23 years $25,922
25 years $28,816

Top Solar Installers in Lodi

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Lodi, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Lodi

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lodi

For many Lodi homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lodi, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Lodi, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Lodi, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $34,995 7.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $47,049 7.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $59,297 7.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $71,739 7.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $84,375 7.0 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $97,206 6.8 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $110,231 6.7 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $123,451 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Lodi, 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:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: When looking 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Lodi, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Lodi is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lodi is currently $502,851, which means you could be looking at a value of about $20,617 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lodi is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.

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