Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lemon Hill, CA (2024 Update)
- Lemon Hill Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $14,686
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lemon Hill
We go over average solar pricing in Lemon Hill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lemon Hill it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,491 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 energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $25,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lemon Hill find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Lemon Hill for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lemon Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,497 |
| 3 years | $-4,510 |
| 5 years | $-2,522 |
| 7 years | $-535 |
| 9 years | $1,453 |
| 11 years | $3,440 |
| 13 years | $5,428 |
| 15 years | $7,415 |
| 17 years | $9,402 |
| 19 years | $11,390 |
| 21 years | $13,377 |
| 23 years | $15,365 |
| 25 years | $17,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Lemon Hill
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lemon Hill, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lemon Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lemon Hill
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lemon Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater 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 type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lemon Hill average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Lemon Hill homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $24,880 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,562 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,438 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,509 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,774 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,233 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,887 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,735 | 8.2 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Lemon Hill, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lemon Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Lemon Hill 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lemon Hill?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lemon Hill, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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?
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 Lemon Hill is currently $464,700, which means you could be looking at a value of about $19,053 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lemon Hill is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Lemon Hill?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.