Solar Panel Cost Guide in Silver Lakes, CA (2024 Update)
- Silver Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
- 25-Year Savings: $13,283
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Silver Lakes
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Silver Lakes.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Silver Lakes typically cost about 3.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Silver Lakes, the average price of going solar will be about $6,973 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Silver Lakes homeowner. The price 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 Silver Lakes homeowner can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Silver Lakes for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Silver Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,788 |
| 3 years | $-3,419 |
| 5 years | $-1,049 |
| 7 years | $1,320 |
| 9 years | $3,690 |
| 11 years | $6,059 |
| 13 years | $8,429 |
| 15 years | $10,798 |
| 17 years | $13,168 |
| 19 years | $15,537 |
| 21 years | $17,907 |
| 23 years | $20,276 |
| 25 years | $22,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Silver Lakes
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Silver Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Silver Lakes
While the average cost of a solar system in Silver Lakes is $6,973, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Silver Lakes, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Silver Lakes is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $24,071 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,483 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,090 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,891 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,886 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,076 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $77,459 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $87,038 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Silver Lakes, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Silver Lakes?
The average cost of solar panels in Silver Lakes is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,307.60 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.