Solar Panel Cost Guide in Novato, CA (2023 Update)
- Novato 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 Novato
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Novato.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Novato it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Novato is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,020 for a solar installation, or $8,609 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Novato
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,483 |
| 3 years | $-1,407 |
| 5 years | $1,669 |
| 7 years | $4,745 |
| 9 years | $7,820 |
| 11 years | $10,896 |
| 13 years | $13,972 |
| 15 years | $17,048 |
| 17 years | $20,124 |
| 19 years | $23,199 |
| 21 years | $26,275 |
| 23 years | $29,351 |
| 25 years | $32,427 |
Top Solar Installers in Novato
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Novato
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Novato
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Novato average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Novato homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Novato, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Novato have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are many companies available in Novato, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Novato, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Novato?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Novato?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.