Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dublin, CA (2023 Update)
- Dublin Solar Installation Cost: $5,752
- 25-Year Savings: $20,579
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dublin
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dublin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dublin it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Dublin is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,752 for a solar installation, or $8,225 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dublin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,699 |
| 3 years | $-2,592 |
| 5 years | $-486 |
| 7 years | $1,621 |
| 9 years | $3,727 |
| 11 years | $5,834 |
| 13 years | $7,940 |
| 15 years | $10,046 |
| 17 years | $12,153 |
| 19 years | $14,259 |
| 21 years | $16,366 |
| 23 years | $18,472 |
| 25 years | $20,579 |
Top Solar Installers in Dublin
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Dublin, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Dublin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dublin
While the average cost of a solar system in Dublin is $5,752, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Dublin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dublin, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dublin to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. 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 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Dublin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,546 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,367 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,341 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,468 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,747 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,180 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,765 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,504 | 4.9 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Dublin, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dublin?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dublin?
Solar panels aren't free in Dublin, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Dublin have a net metering program?
Most states have 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 energy 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?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.