Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA (2024 Update)
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley 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 Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
We break down average solar pricing in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, most homeowners require a 3.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,653, or $10,944 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tamalpais-Homestead Valley homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
| 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 Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.