Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mill Valley, CA (2024 Update)
- Mill Valley Solar Installation Cost: $7,653
- 25-Year Savings: $20,310
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mill Valley
We break down average solar pricing in Mill Valley.
In Mill Valley, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Mill Valley homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,653 with the federal tax credit, or $10,944 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Mill Valley homeowners see about $32,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mill Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,115 |
| 3 years | $-3,039 |
| 5 years | $37 |
| 7 years | $3,113 |
| 9 years | $6,188 |
| 11 years | $9,264 |
| 13 years | $12,340 |
| 15 years | $15,416 |
| 17 years | $18,492 |
| 19 years | $21,567 |
| 21 years | $24,643 |
| 23 years | $27,719 |
| 25 years | $30,795 |
Top Solar Installers in Mill Valley
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Mill Valley, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Mill Valley:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- 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 Mill Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mill Valley
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Mill Valley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 with greater efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mill Valley is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $34,988 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,039 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,285 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $71,724 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,359 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,187 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,210 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $123,427 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Mill Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mill Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mill Valley?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Mill Valley, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Mill Valley have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.