Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plumas Lake, CA (Mar 2023)
- Plumas Lake Solar Installation Cost: $5,962
- 25-Year Savings: $20,369
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plumas Lake
We break down average solar pricing in Plumas Lake.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plumas Lake generally cost about 2.73. 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 $5,962 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Plumas Lake based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $32,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plumas Lake find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Plumas Lake, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plumas Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,909 |
| 3 years | $-2,803 |
| 5 years | $-696 |
| 7 years | $1,410 |
| 9 years | $3,517 |
| 11 years | $5,623 |
| 13 years | $7,730 |
| 15 years | $9,836 |
| 17 years | $11,943 |
| 19 years | $14,049 |
| 21 years | $16,156 |
| 23 years | $18,262 |
| 25 years | $20,369 |
Top Solar Installers in Plumas Lake
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Plumas Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plumas Lake
There are a number of factors that can play into 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Plumas Lake, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Plumas Lake, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,775 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,006 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,389 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,926 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,615 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,458 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,453 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,601 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Plumas Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Plumas Lake, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plumas Lake?
This is a difficult 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Plumas Lake?
You can't get solar panels for free in Plumas Lake. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Plumas Lake?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Plumas Lake?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.