Solar Panel Cost Guide in Petaluma, CA (2023 Update)
- Petaluma Solar Installation Cost: $5,897
- 25-Year Savings: $20,434
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Petaluma
We break down average solar pricing in Petaluma.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Petaluma it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,905 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Petaluma for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Petaluma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,359 |
| 3 years | $-1,284 |
| 5 years | $1,792 |
| 7 years | $4,868 |
| 9 years | $7,944 |
| 11 years | $11,020 |
| 13 years | $14,095 |
| 15 years | $17,171 |
| 17 years | $20,247 |
| 19 years | $23,323 |
| 21 years | $26,398 |
| 23 years | $29,474 |
| 25 years | $32,550 |
Top Solar Installers in Petaluma
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Petaluma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Petaluma
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system 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 key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Petaluma, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
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
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.