Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lucerne Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- Lucerne Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $20,542
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lucerne Valley
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Lucerne Valley.
In Lucerne Valley, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Lucerne Valley, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,485, or $7,844 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Lucerne Valley homeowners see about $34,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lucerne Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,444 |
| 3 years | $-2,361 |
| 5 years | $-279 |
| 7 years | $1,803 |
| 9 years | $3,885 |
| 11 years | $5,967 |
| 13 years | $8,049 |
| 15 years | $10,131 |
| 17 years | $12,214 |
| 19 years | $14,296 |
| 21 years | $16,378 |
| 23 years | $18,460 |
| 25 years | $20,542 |
Top Solar Installers in Lucerne Valley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Lucerne Valley:
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 Lucerne Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lucerne Valley
The cost of installing a solar system in Lucerne Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Lucerne Valley, one of the most crucial 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 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 several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lucerne Valley to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Lucerne Valley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $42,472 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,935 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,551 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,320 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $101,242 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,317 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,544 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $146,925 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company'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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Lucerne Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lucerne Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,813.23 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Lucerne Valley?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.