Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kensington, CA (2024 Update)

  • Kensington Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,513
  • Payback Period: 7.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kensington

We go over average solar pricing in Kensington.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kensington it’s 3 per watt.The average Kensington homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,395 with the federal tax credit, or $10,575 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kensington find investing in solar can pay off big.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Kensington

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,857
3 years$-2,781
5 years$295
7 years$3,371
9 years$6,446
11 years$9,522
13 years$12,598
15 years$15,674
17 years$18,750
19 years$21,825
21 years$24,901
23 years$27,977
25 years$31,053

Top Solar Installers in Kensington

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Kensington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kensington

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Kensington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Kensington.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kensington, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$36,7387.3 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$49,3737.2 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$62,2027.0 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$75,2256.9 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$88,4436.7 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$101,8556.6 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$115,4616.5 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$129,2626.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Kensington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Kensington, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kensington?

The average cost of solar panels in Kensington is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kensington?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kensington is currently $1,480,591, which means you can look forward to a value of about $60,704 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kensington is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 install 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.