Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spring Valley Lake, CA (2024 Update)

  • Spring Valley Lake Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,283
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Spring Valley Lake

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Spring Valley Lake.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Spring Valley Lake typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $6,973 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Spring Valley Lake homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

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

Solar savings over time in Spring Valley Lake

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,788
3 years$-3,419
5 years$-1,049
7 years$1,320
9 years$3,690
11 years$6,059
13 years$8,429
15 years$10,798
17 years$13,168
19 years$15,537
21 years$17,907
23 years$20,276
25 years$22,646

Top Solar Installers in Spring Valley Lake

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Spring Valley Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spring Valley Lake

The cost of installing a solar system in Spring Valley Lake 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 installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Spring Valley Lake, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Spring Valley Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Spring Valley Lake know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$24,0719.7 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$32,4839.5 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$41,0909.3 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$49,8919.1 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$58,8868.9 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$68,0768.7 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$77,4598.5 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$87,0388.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer 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.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Spring Valley Lake, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Spring Valley Lake?

The average cost of solar panels in Spring Valley Lake 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Spring Valley Lake?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Spring Valley Lake is currently $408,858, so you could be looking at a value of about $16,763 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Spring Valley Lake is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Spring Valley Lake?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.