Solar Panel Cost Guide in Petaluma, CA (Mar 2023)
- Petaluma Solar Installation Cost: $5,905
- 25-Year Savings: $20,426
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Petaluma
We go over average solar pricing in Petaluma.
In Petaluma, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Petaluma homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,905 with the federal tax credit, or $8,444 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Petaluma homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Petaluma can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Petaluma, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Petaluma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,852 |
| 3 years | $-2,745 |
| 5 years | $-639 |
| 7 years | $1,468 |
| 9 years | $3,574 |
| 11 years | $5,681 |
| 13 years | $7,787 |
| 15 years | $9,894 |
| 17 years | $12,000 |
| 19 years | $14,107 |
| 21 years | $16,213 |
| 23 years | $18,320 |
| 25 years | $20,426 |
Top Solar Installers in Petaluma
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Petaluma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Petaluma
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Petaluma: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Petaluma, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Petaluma is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 | $39,269 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,664 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,213 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,914 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,768 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,775 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $121,935 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,248 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied 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
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 Petaluma, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Petaluma?
The average cost of solar panels in Petaluma is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Petaluma?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Petaluma, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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.