Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marina, CA (2023 Update)
- Marina Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $20,789
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marina
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Marina.
In Marina, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Marina, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,542, or $7,925 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,489 |
| 3 years | $-2,382 |
| 5 years | $-276 |
| 7 years | $1,831 |
| 9 years | $3,937 |
| 11 years | $6,044 |
| 13 years | $8,150 |
| 15 years | $10,257 |
| 17 years | $12,363 |
| 19 years | $14,470 |
| 21 years | $16,576 |
| 23 years | $18,683 |
| 25 years | $20,789 |
Top Solar Installers in Marina
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Marina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marina
There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Marina. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Marina homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Marina's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $42,509 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,984 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,612 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,394 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $101,328 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,414 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,654 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $147,047 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Marina, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marina?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Marina?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Marina have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.