Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake of the Pines, CA (2024 Update)
- Lake of the Pines Solar Installation Cost: $7,488
- 25-Year Savings: $20,440
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake of the Pines
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Lake of the Pines.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lake of the Pines it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Lake of the Pines, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,488, or $10,708 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Lake of the Pines homeowner can save around $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Lake of the Pines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,950 |
| 3 years | $-2,875 |
| 5 years | $201 |
| 7 years | $3,277 |
| 9 years | $6,353 |
| 11 years | $9,429 |
| 13 years | $12,504 |
| 15 years | $15,580 |
| 17 years | $18,656 |
| 19 years | $21,732 |
| 21 years | $24,808 |
| 23 years | $27,883 |
| 25 years | $30,959 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake of the Pines
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Lake of the Pines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake of the Pines
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Lake of the Pines: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lake of the Pines, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Lake of the Pines have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,089 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,508 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,121 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,928 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,929 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,125 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,515 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,099 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Lake of the Pines, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake of the Pines?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake of the Pines 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Lake of the Pines?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Lake of the Pines, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lake of the Pines is currently $633,123, so you can expect a value of about $25,958 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lake of the Pines is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get 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.