Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marina del Rey, CA (2023 Update)
- Marina del Rey Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $18,924
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marina del Rey
We go over average solar pricing in Marina del Rey.
In Marina del Rey, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Marina del Rey is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,446 for a solar installation, or $7,788 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Marina del Rey find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Marina del Rey for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Marina del Rey
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,363 |
| 3 years | $-5,201 |
| 5 years | $-5,038 |
| 7 years | $-4,876 |
| 9 years | $-4,713 |
| 11 years | $-4,551 |
| 13 years | $-4,389 |
| 15 years | $-4,226 |
| 17 years | $-4,064 |
| 19 years | $-3,901 |
| 21 years | $-3,739 |
| 23 years | $-3,576 |
| 25 years | $-3,414 |
Top Solar Installers in Marina del Rey
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
See all of the solar companies in Marina del Rey
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marina del Rey
The cost of installing a solar system in Marina del Rey can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Marina del Rey average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Marina del Rey, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Marina del Rey's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size 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 access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,395 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,832 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,422 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,165 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,061 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,110 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,311 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,666 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide 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 Marina del Rey, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marina del Rey?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Marina del Rey?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Marina del Rey?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 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.