Solar Panel Cost Guide in Larkspur, CA (2024 Update)
- Larkspur Solar Installation Cost: $7,653
- 25-Year Savings: $20,310
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Larkspur
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Larkspur.
The average cost of a solar system in Larkspur is 3 per watt.Because a 3.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Larkspur, the average price of going solar will be about $7,653 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Larkspur based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Larkspur find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Larkspur for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Larkspur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,115 |
| 3 years | $-3,039 |
| 5 years | $37 |
| 7 years | $3,113 |
| 9 years | $6,188 |
| 11 years | $9,264 |
| 13 years | $12,340 |
| 15 years | $15,416 |
| 17 years | $18,492 |
| 19 years | $21,567 |
| 21 years | $24,643 |
| 23 years | $27,719 |
| 25 years | $30,795 |
Top Solar Installers in Larkspur
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Larkspur, we've 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 Larkspur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Larkspur
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 Larkspur: 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 size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Larkspur 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 total 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $34,988 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,039 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,285 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $71,724 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,359 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,187 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,210 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $123,427 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Larkspur, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Larkspur, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Larkspur?
The average cost of solar panels in Larkspur 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Larkspur, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Larkspur?
Though 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 the amount of 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 continue to use 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.