Solar Panel Cost Guide in Interlaken, CA (2024 Update)
- Interlaken Solar Installation Cost: $7,464
- 25-Year Savings: $20,459
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Interlaken
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Interlaken.
The average cost of a solar system in Interlaken is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,464 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Interlaken depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Interlaken, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Interlaken
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,926 |
| 3 years | $-2,850 |
| 5 years | $226 |
| 7 years | $3,302 |
| 9 years | $6,378 |
| 11 years | $9,453 |
| 13 years | $12,529 |
| 15 years | $15,605 |
| 17 years | $18,681 |
| 19 years | $21,757 |
| 21 years | $24,832 |
| 23 years | $27,908 |
| 25 years | $30,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Interlaken
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Interlaken
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Interlaken
The cost of installing a solar system in Interlaken 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Interlaken, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Interlaken, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $36,259 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,734 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,403 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,267 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,325 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,577 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,024 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,665 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Interlaken, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Interlaken?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Interlaken?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.