Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Lake Tahoe, CA (2024 Update)
- South Lake Tahoe Solar Installation Cost: $7,493
- 25-Year Savings: $19,205
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Lake Tahoe
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in South Lake Tahoe.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Lake Tahoe typically cost around 3.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in South Lake Tahoe, the average price of going solar will be about $7,493 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Lake Tahoe homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in South Lake Tahoe can save around $31,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in South Lake Tahoe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,955 |
| 3 years | $-2,879 |
| 5 years | $197 |
| 7 years | $3,272 |
| 9 years | $6,348 |
| 11 years | $9,424 |
| 13 years | $12,500 |
| 15 years | $15,576 |
| 17 years | $18,651 |
| 19 years | $21,727 |
| 21 years | $24,803 |
| 23 years | $27,879 |
| 25 years | $30,955 |
Top Solar Installers in South Lake Tahoe
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 South Lake Tahoe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Lake Tahoe
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in South Lake Tahoe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in South Lake Tahoe, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $33,663 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,273 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,076 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,075 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,267 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $93,654 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $106,235 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,011 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy 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 how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
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 South Lake Tahoe, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Lake Tahoe?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Lake Tahoe?
You can’t get solar panels for free in South Lake Tahoe. However, you may still be able to afford 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 South Lake Tahoe?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in South Lake Tahoe?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.