Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lodi, CA (2024 Update)

  • Lodi Solar Installation Cost: $7,350
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,511
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

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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 Lodi

We go over average solar pricing in Lodi.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lodi generally cost around 3.The average Lodi homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,350 with the federal tax credit, or $10,510 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $32,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lodi find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lodi

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,904
3 years$-3,010
5 years$-117
7 years$2,776
9 years$5,669
11 years$8,563
13 years$11,456
15 years$14,349
17 years$17,243
19 years$20,136
21 years$23,029
23 years$25,922
25 years$28,816

Top Solar Installers in Lodi

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Lodi, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Lodi

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lodi

The cost of installing a solar system in Lodi can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest 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 notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Lodi offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Lodi, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$34,9957.6 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$47,0497.4 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$59,2977.3 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$71,7397.1 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$84,3757.0 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$97,2066.8 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$110,2316.7 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$123,4516.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • 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.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

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 Lodi, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lodi?

The average cost of solar panels in Lodi is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas 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.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 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.