Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plumas Lake, CA (2024 Update)
- Plumas Lake Solar Installation Cost: $7,569
- 25-Year Savings: $20,376
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plumas Lake
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Plumas Lake.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plumas Lake generally cost around 3.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Plumas Lake, the average price of going solar will be about $7,569 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plumas Lake find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plumas Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,031 |
| 3 years | $-2,955 |
| 5 years | $120 |
| 7 years | $3,196 |
| 9 years | $6,272 |
| 11 years | $9,348 |
| 13 years | $12,424 |
| 15 years | $15,499 |
| 17 years | $18,575 |
| 19 years | $21,651 |
| 21 years | $24,727 |
| 23 years | $27,803 |
| 25 years | $30,878 |
Top Solar Installers in Plumas Lake
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part 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 nearby:
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 Plumas Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plumas Lake
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Plumas Lake is $7,569, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Plumas 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Plumas Lake average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Plumas Lake homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Plumas Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $35,543 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,779 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,209 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,834 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $85,653 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $98,667 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $111,875 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,277 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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 installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Plumas Lake, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plumas Lake?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Plumas Lake is currently $487,577, which means you can expect a value of about $19,991 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Plumas Lake is a fruitful investment.
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 higher amount 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.