Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodlake, CA (2024 Update)
- Woodlake Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $16,896
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodlake
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Woodlake.
In Woodlake, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Woodlake is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,187 for a solar installation, or $10,277 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Woodlake homeowner can save about $29,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Woodlake, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,649 |
| 3 years | $-2,573 |
| 5 years | $503 |
| 7 years | $3,578 |
| 9 years | $6,654 |
| 11 years | $9,730 |
| 13 years | $12,806 |
| 15 years | $15,882 |
| 17 years | $18,957 |
| 19 years | $22,033 |
| 21 years | $25,109 |
| 23 years | $28,185 |
| 25 years | $31,261 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodlake
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Woodlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodlake
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel 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 size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Woodlake, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Woodlake homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Woodlake, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $30,571 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,150 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,923 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,891 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,053 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,409 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $96,960 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $108,705 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Woodlake, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodlake?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodlake 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 without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Woodlake have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.