Solar Panel Cost Guide in Daly City, CA (2024 Update)

  • Daly City Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,981
  • Payback Period: 7.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Daly City

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Daly City.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Daly City, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Daly City homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,454 with the federal tax credit, or $10,659 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Daly City homeowners see about $32,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Daly City, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Daly City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,955
3 years $-2,959
5 years $37
7 years $3,034
9 years $6,030
11 years $9,026
13 years $12,023
15 years $15,019
17 years $18,015
19 years $21,012
21 years $24,008
23 years $27,004
25 years $30,001

Top Solar Installers in Daly City

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. 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.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

See all of the solar companies in Daly City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Daly City

For many Daly City homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Daly City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Daly City.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 $3.61 $15,157 $35,378 7.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $47,560 7.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $59,936 7.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $72,506 7.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $85,270 6.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $98,229 6.8 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $111,382 6.6 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $124,730 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Daly City, 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:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

EcoWatch's Daly City, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Daly City?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Daly City?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Daly City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.

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