Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tiburon, CA (2023 Update)
- Tiburon 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 Tiburon
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Tiburon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tiburon it's 2.73 per watt. The average Tiburon homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,020 with the federal tax credit, or $8,609 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Tiburon homeowner can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tiburon
| 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 Tiburon
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer 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 Tiburon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tiburon
For many Tiburon homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tiburon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tiburon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Tiburon have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tiburon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. Tiburon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Tiburon have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 help you save 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 | $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 Tiburon, 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 reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Tiburon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tiburon?
The average cost of solar panels in Tiburon 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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.