Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Rafael, CA (2023 Update)
- San Rafael 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 San Rafael
We go over average solar pricing in San Rafael.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in San Rafael, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $6,020 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average San Rafael homeowner can save around $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Rafael
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,933 |
| 3 years | $-5,757 |
| 5 years | $-5,582 |
| 7 years | $-5,406 |
| 9 years | $-5,231 |
| 11 years | $-5,055 |
| 13 years | $-4,880 |
| 15 years | $-4,704 |
| 17 years | $-4,529 |
| 19 years | $-4,353 |
| 21 years | $-4,178 |
| 23 years | $-4,002 |
| 25 years | $-3,827 |
Top Solar Installers in San Rafael
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company 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 San Rafael
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Rafael
While the average cost of a solar system in San Rafael is $6,020, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in San Rafael, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in San Rafael have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in San Rafael is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 a large number of companies to choose from in San Rafael, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 San Rafael, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Rafael?
The average cost of solar panels in San Rafael 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 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 certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in San Rafael?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.