Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lakeside, FL (2024 Update)
- Lakeside Solar Installation Cost: $12,787
- 25-Year Savings: $19,740
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lakeside
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Lakeside.
In Lakeside, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Lakeside homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,787 with the federal tax credit, or $18,285 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lakeside find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Lakeside for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lakeside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,311 |
| 3 years | $-8,360 |
| 5 years | $-5,409 |
| 7 years | $-2,458 |
| 9 years | $493 |
| 11 years | $3,444 |
| 13 years | $6,395 |
| 15 years | $9,346 |
| 17 years | $12,297 |
| 19 years | $15,248 |
| 21 years | $18,199 |
| 23 years | $21,150 |
| 25 years | $24,101 |
Top Solar Installers in Lakeside
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a vetted 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Lakeside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lakeside
For many Lakeside homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lakeside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Lakeside, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lakeside, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lakeside have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lakeside homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lakeside is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $17,417 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $23,583 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $29,928 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $36,453 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $43,157 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $50,042 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $57,106 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $64,350 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Lakeside, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lakeside?
The average cost of solar panels in Lakeside is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lakeside?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Lakeside have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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.