Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mammoth Lakes, CA (2024 Update)
- Mammoth Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $7,379
- 25-Year Savings: $16,745
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mammoth Lakes
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Mammoth Lakes.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mammoth Lakes, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Mammoth Lakes is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,379 for a solar installation, or $10,552 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Mammoth Lakes homeowner can save about $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mammoth Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,841 |
| 3 years | $-2,765 |
| 5 years | $311 |
| 7 years | $3,387 |
| 9 years | $6,462 |
| 11 years | $9,538 |
| 13 years | $12,614 |
| 15 years | $15,690 |
| 17 years | $18,766 |
| 19 years | $21,841 |
| 21 years | $24,917 |
| 23 years | $27,993 |
| 25 years | $31,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Mammoth Lakes
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Mammoth Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mammoth Lakes
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Mammoth Lakes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Mammoth Lakes, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Mammoth Lakes, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Mammoth Lakes provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Mammoth Lakes, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $29,382 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $39,565 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,942 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $60,513 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $71,279 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $82,239 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $93,393 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $104,742 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Mammoth Lakes, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mammoth Lakes?
The average cost of solar panels in Mammoth Lakes is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mammoth Lakes?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mammoth Lakes, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.