Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Marino, CA (2024 Update)
- San Marino Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $15,959
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Marino
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in San Marino.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Marino typically cost around 3.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in San Marino, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in San Marino based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $29,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in San Marino find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in San Marino for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in San Marino
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,616 |
| 3 years | $-3,009 |
| 5 years | $-401 |
| 7 years | $2,207 |
| 9 years | $4,815 |
| 11 years | $7,422 |
| 13 years | $10,030 |
| 15 years | $12,638 |
| 17 years | $15,246 |
| 19 years | $17,853 |
| 21 years | $20,461 |
| 23 years | $23,069 |
| 25 years | $25,677 |
Top Solar Installers in San Marino
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 San Marino
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Marino
The cost of installing a solar system in San Marino can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like San Marino, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in San Marino offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in San Marino, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in San Marino know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $29,918 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,279 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $50,835 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $61,585 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $72,529 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $83,668 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $95,001 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $106,528 | 7.3 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion 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 San Marino, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Marino?
The average cost of solar panels in San Marino 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in San Marino?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout San Marino, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get 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 take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.