Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tiburon, CA (Mar 2023)
- Tiburon Solar Installation Cost: $6,020
- 25-Year Savings: $20,311
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tiburon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Tiburon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tiburon, the typical cost of a solar system 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 will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tiburon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,966 |
| 3 years | $-2,860 |
| 5 years | $-753 |
| 7 years | $1,353 |
| 9 years | $3,460 |
| 11 years | $5,566 |
| 13 years | $7,672 |
| 15 years | $9,779 |
| 17 years | $11,885 |
| 19 years | $13,992 |
| 21 years | $16,098 |
| 23 years | $18,205 |
| 25 years | $20,311 |
Top Solar Installers in Tiburon
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy 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
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 Tiburon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tiburon
The cost of installing a solar system in Tiburon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Tiburon offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Tiburon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 lot of companies available in Tiburon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies 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.
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 Tiburon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tiburon?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,671.49 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Tiburon?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.