Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Lake Tahoe, CA (2023 Update)
- South Lake Tahoe Solar Installation Cost: $5,895
- 25-Year Savings: $19,205
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Lake Tahoe
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in South Lake Tahoe.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Lake Tahoe typically cost around 2.73. The average South Lake Tahoe homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,886 with the federal tax credit, or $8,417 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $31,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Lake Tahoe find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Lake Tahoe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,811 |
| 3 years | $-5,644 |
| 5 years | $-5,477 |
| 7 years | $-5,309 |
| 9 years | $-5,142 |
| 11 years | $-4,975 |
| 13 years | $-4,807 |
| 15 years | $-4,640 |
| 17 years | $-4,473 |
| 19 years | $-4,305 |
| 21 years | $-4,138 |
| 23 years | $-3,971 |
| 25 years | $-3,803 |
Top Solar Installers in South Lake Tahoe
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in South Lake Tahoe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Lake Tahoe
The cost of installing a solar system in South Lake Tahoe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in South Lake Tahoe. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Lake Tahoe homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in South Lake Tahoe, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $36,895 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,499 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,256 | 5.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,166 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,229 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $101,445 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $114,814 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $128,335 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for 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 some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's South Lake Tahoe, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Lake Tahoe?
The average cost of solar panels in South Lake Tahoe is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,627.33 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.