Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alameda, CA (2023 Update)
- Alameda Solar Installation Cost: $5,754
- 25-Year Savings: $20,592
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alameda
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Alameda.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alameda it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Alameda is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,752 for a solar installation, or $8,225 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Alameda homeowner can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Alameda for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Alameda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,666 |
| 3 years | $-5,490 |
| 5 years | $-5,315 |
| 7 years | $-5,139 |
| 9 years | $-4,964 |
| 11 years | $-4,788 |
| 13 years | $-4,612 |
| 15 years | $-4,437 |
| 17 years | $-4,261 |
| 19 years | $-4,085 |
| 21 years | $-3,910 |
| 23 years | $-3,734 |
| 25 years | $-3,558 |
Top Solar Installers in Alameda
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Alameda, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Alameda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alameda
For many Alameda homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alameda, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production 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 $2,730. The brand and kind 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alameda to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Alameda homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Alameda, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher 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 fit into your budget.
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 | $40,576 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,407 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,390 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,527 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,817 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,259 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,855 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,603 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Alameda, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Alameda, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alameda?
The average cost of solar panels in Alameda is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Alameda?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy 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 $1,750.01 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.