Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mammoth Lakes, CA (2023 Update)
- Mammoth Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $7,379
- 25-Year Savings: $16,745
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated October 25, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mammoth Lakes
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Mammoth Lakes.
The average cost of a solar system in Mammoth Lakes is 2.73 per watt.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Mammoth Lakes, the average price of going solar will be about $5,809 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Mammoth Lakes can save around $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Mammoth Lakes for a customized estimate.
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
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Mammoth Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mammoth Lakes
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mammoth Lakes average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Mammoth Lakes homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Mammoth Lakes, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mammoth Lakes?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mammoth Lakes?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Mammoth Lakes have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.