Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Marino, CA (Mar 2023)
- San Marino Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $15,957
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Marino
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in San Marino.
In San Marino, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in San Marino, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in San Marino can save about $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in San Marino
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,590 |
| 3 years | $-2,878 |
| 5 years | $-1,166 |
| 7 years | $547 |
| 9 years | $2,259 |
| 11 years | $3,971 |
| 13 years | $5,683 |
| 15 years | $7,396 |
| 17 years | $9,108 |
| 19 years | $10,820 |
| 21 years | $12,533 |
| 23 years | $14,245 |
| 25 years | $15,957 |
Top Solar Installers in San Marino
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various 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 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 San Marino
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Marino
There are many factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in San Marino. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like San Marino, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in San Marino, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in San Marino, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in San Marino are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $33,150 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,506 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $56,015 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,677 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,491 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $91,459 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,579 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $115,852 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 San Marino, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Marino?
The average cost of solar panels in San Marino 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in San Marino, 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 contact 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 needs and the amount of 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 get 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.