Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake California, CA (2024 Update)
- Lake California Solar Installation Cost: $7,686
- 25-Year Savings: $20,284
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake California
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lake California.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lake California typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.2-kW system would cost about $7,686 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lake California find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Lake California for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lake California
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,148 |
| 3 years | $-3,072 |
| 5 years | $3 |
| 7 years | $3,079 |
| 9 years | $6,155 |
| 11 years | $9,231 |
| 13 years | $12,307 |
| 15 years | $15,382 |
| 17 years | $18,458 |
| 19 years | $21,534 |
| 21 years | $24,610 |
| 23 years | $27,686 |
| 25 years | $30,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake California
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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 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 Lake California
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake California
There are several criteria that can affect your 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Lake California.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Lake California, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $34,770 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $46,748 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $58,921 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $71,289 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $83,850 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $96,606 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $109,556 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $122,701 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Lake California, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake California?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake California 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lake California?
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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Lake California, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 household 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.