Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamo, CA (2024 Update)
- Alamo Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
- 25-Year Savings: $20,513
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamo
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Alamo.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alamo generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Alamo is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,395 for a solar installation, or $10,575 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamo
Year | Return 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 Alamo
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Alamo, we've 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
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 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 Alamo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamo
For many Alamo homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alamo, 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Alamo, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Alamo provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Alamo, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $36,738 | 7.3 years |
8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,373 | 7.2 years |
10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,202 | 7.0 years |
12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,225 | 6.9 years |
14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,443 | 6.7 years |
16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,855 | 6.6 years |
18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,461 | 6.5 years |
20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,262 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 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 Alamo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alamo?
The average cost of solar panels in Alamo is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Alamo?
Solar panels aren’t free in Alamo, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Alamo?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.