Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lakeside, CA (2024 Update)
- Lakeside Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
- 25-Year Savings: $17,661
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lakeside
We go over average solar pricing in Lakeside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lakeside it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lakeside is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,837 for a solar installation, or $9,777 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lakeside based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $31,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lakeside find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Lakeside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lakeside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,178 |
| 3 years | $-1,860 |
| 5 years | $1,459 |
| 7 years | $4,777 |
| 9 years | $8,095 |
| 11 years | $11,413 |
| 13 years | $14,731 |
| 15 years | $18,050 |
| 17 years | $21,368 |
| 19 years | $24,686 |
| 21 years | $28,004 |
| 23 years | $31,322 |
| 25 years | $34,641 |
Top Solar Installers in Lakeside
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Lakeside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lakeside
There are several factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Lakeside homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lakeside is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $33,955 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,662 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,564 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,659 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,949 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $94,434 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,112 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,985 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Lakeside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Lakeside, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lakeside?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.