Solar Panel Cost Guide in Phoenix Lake, CA (2023 Update)
- Phoenix Lake Solar Installation Cost: $5,771
- 25-Year Savings: $20,560
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Phoenix Lake
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Phoenix Lake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Phoenix Lake it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Phoenix Lake is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,771 for a solar installation, or $8,253 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Phoenix Lake see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Phoenix Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,718 |
| 3 years | $-2,612 |
| 5 years | $-505 |
| 7 years | $1,601 |
| 9 years | $3,708 |
| 11 years | $5,814 |
| 13 years | $7,921 |
| 15 years | $10,027 |
| 17 years | $12,134 |
| 19 years | $14,240 |
| 21 years | $16,347 |
| 23 years | $18,453 |
| 25 years | $20,560 |
Top Solar Installers in Phoenix Lake
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Phoenix Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Phoenix Lake
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Phoenix Lake, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Phoenix Lake, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Phoenix Lake homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Phoenix Lake's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,424 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,205 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,138 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,224 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,463 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,855 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,400 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,098 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Phoenix Lake, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Phoenix Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Phoenix Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Phoenix Lake is currently $291,100, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,935 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Phoenix Lake is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.