Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Lake Tahoe, CA (2025 Update)
- South Lake Tahoe Solar Installation Cost: $7,493
- 25-Year Savings: $19,205
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Lake Tahoe
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in South Lake Tahoe.
The average cost of a solar panel system in South Lake Tahoe is 3 per watt.The average South Lake Tahoe homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,493 with the federal tax credit, or $10,715 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average South Lake Tahoe homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in South Lake Tahoe for a customized estimate.
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 yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
For many South Lake Tahoe homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Lake Tahoe, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many South Lake Tahoe homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in South Lake Tahoe, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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
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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in South Lake Tahoe is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Lake Tahoe?
Solar panels aren’t free in South Lake Tahoe, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in South Lake Tahoe?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.