Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlingame, CA (2024 Update)
- Burlingame Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $20,467
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlingame
We go over average solar pricing in Burlingame.
In Burlingame, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Burlingame, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,454, or $10,659 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Burlingame homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Burlingame for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Burlingame
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,916 |
| 3 years | $-2,840 |
| 5 years | $236 |
| 7 years | $3,312 |
| 9 years | $6,388 |
| 11 years | $9,463 |
| 13 years | $12,539 |
| 15 years | $15,615 |
| 17 years | $18,691 |
| 19 years | $21,767 |
| 21 years | $24,842 |
| 23 years | $27,918 |
| 25 years | $30,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlingame
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Burlingame, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Burlingame
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlingame
For many Burlingame homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Burlingame, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Burlingame average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Burlingame homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Burlingame is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Burlingame know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,328 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,826 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,518 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,404 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,485 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,760 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,230 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,894 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Burlingame, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burlingame?
The average cost of solar panels in Burlingame 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 consume.
Are solar panels free in Burlingame?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Burlingame. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Burlingame have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.