Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mammoth Lakes, CA (Mar 2023)

  • Mammoth Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $5,809
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,741
  • Payback Period: 6.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Mammoth Lakes

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mammoth Lakes.

In Mammoth Lakes, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Mammoth Lakes homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,809 with the federal tax credit, or $8,307 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mammoth Lakes homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Mammoth Lakes homeowner can save around $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Mammoth Lakes

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,907
3 years $-3,103
5 years $-1,299
7 years $505
9 years $2,309
11 years $4,113
13 years $5,917
15 years $7,721
17 years $9,525
19 years $11,329
21 years $13,133
23 years $14,937
25 years $16,741

Top Solar Installers in Mammoth Lakes

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Mammoth Lakes, the EcoWatch team has 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Mammoth Lakes

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mammoth Lakes

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system 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 mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mammoth Lakes, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 companies in Mammoth Lakes have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Mammoth Lakes' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Mammoth Lakes have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 $32,615 6.7 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $43,792 6.6 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $55,122 6.4 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $66,605 6.3 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $78,241 6.2 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $90,030 6.0 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $101,971 5.9 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $114,066 5.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Mammoth Lakes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Mammoth Lakes, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mammoth Lakes?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Mammoth Lakes?

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.

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