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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Woodlake, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,187 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Woodlake based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Woodlake homeowner can save about $29,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, 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
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Woodlake:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Woodlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodlake
While the average cost of a solar system in Woodlake is $7,187, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.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 bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Woodlake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Woodlake, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodlake?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Woodlake?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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.
What solar power system size is right for 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.