Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn Lake Trails, CA (2024 Update)
- Auburn Lake Trails Solar Installation Cost: $7,493
- 25-Year Savings: $20,436
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn Lake Trails
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Auburn Lake Trails.
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn Lake Trails is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Auburn Lake Trails is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,493 for a solar installation, or $10,715 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Auburn Lake Trails can save around $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn Lake Trails
| 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 Auburn Lake Trails
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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 Auburn Lake Trails
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn Lake Trails
There are many 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Auburn Lake Trails, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Auburn Lake Trails, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Auburn Lake Trails have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Auburn Lake Trails’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 has 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 | $36,057 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,465 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,067 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,864 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,854 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,039 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,419 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $126,992 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Auburn Lake Trails, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Auburn Lake Trails, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn Lake Trails?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn Lake Trails 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Auburn Lake Trails?
Solar panels aren’t free in Auburn Lake Trails, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,707.14 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Auburn Lake Trails?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.