Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emerald Lake Hills, CA (2024 Update)

  • Emerald Lake Hills Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,467
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emerald Lake Hills

We break down average solar pricing in Emerald Lake Hills.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Emerald Lake Hills, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Emerald Lake Hills homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,454 with the federal tax credit, or $10,659 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Emerald Lake Hills can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Emerald Lake Hills that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Emerald Lake Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,916
3 years $-2,840
5 years $236
7 years $3,312
9 years $6,388
11 years $9,463
13 years $12,539
15 years $15,615
17 years $18,691
19 years $21,767
21 years $24,842
23 years $27,918
25 years $30,994

Top Solar Installers in Emerald Lake Hills

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Emerald Lake Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emerald Lake Hills

The cost of installing a solar system in Emerald Lake Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Emerald Lake Hills provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs 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 can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Emerald Lake Hills is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 lower 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 $3.61 $15,157 $36,328 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,826 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,518 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,404 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,485 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,760 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $114,230 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,894 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Emerald Lake Hills, 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Emerald Lake Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Emerald Lake Hills?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Emerald Lake Hills?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Emerald Lake Hills. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,716.16 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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