Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, CA (2023 Update)
- Lucas Valley-Marinwood Solar Installation Cost: $6,021
- 25-Year Savings: $20,310
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lucas Valley-Marinwood
We break down average solar pricing in Lucas Valley-Marinwood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lucas Valley-Marinwood it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, the average price of going solar will be about $6,020 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lucas Valley-Marinwood homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Lucas Valley-Marinwood homeowner can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lucas Valley-Marinwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,933 |
| 3 years | $-5,757 |
| 5 years | $-5,582 |
| 7 years | $-5,406 |
| 9 years | $-5,231 |
| 11 years | $-5,055 |
| 13 years | $-4,880 |
| 15 years | $-4,704 |
| 17 years | $-4,529 |
| 19 years | $-4,353 |
| 21 years | $-4,178 |
| 23 years | $-4,002 |
| 25 years | $-3,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Lucas Valley-Marinwood
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Lucas Valley-Marinwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lucas Valley-Marinwood
There are many factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lucas Valley-Marinwood, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 Lucas Valley-Marinwood to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lucas Valley-Marinwood is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $38,220 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,266 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,465 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $77,816 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,321 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $104,978 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $118,788 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $132,751 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Lucas Valley-Marinwood, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lucas Valley-Marinwood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lucas Valley-Marinwood?
Solar panels aren't free in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lucas Valley-Marinwood, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.