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
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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.