Solar Panel Cost Guide in Daly City, CA (2023 Update)
- Daly City Solar Installation Cost: $5,864
- 25-Year Savings: $19,981
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Daly City
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Daly City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Daly City it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Daly City is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,867 for a solar installation, or $8,390 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Daly City depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Daly City find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Daly City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,366 |
| 3 years | $-1,370 |
| 5 years | $1,627 |
| 7 years | $4,623 |
| 9 years | $7,619 |
| 11 years | $10,616 |
| 13 years | $13,612 |
| 15 years | $16,608 |
| 17 years | $19,605 |
| 19 years | $22,601 |
| 21 years | $25,598 |
| 23 years | $28,594 |
| 25 years | $31,590 |
Top Solar Installers in Daly City
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Daly City, we've compiled 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 Daly City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Daly City
Although the average cost of a solar system in Daly City is $5,867, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Daly City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Daly City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Daly City, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Daly City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,611 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,787 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,116 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,598 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,232 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,020 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,960 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,054 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Daly City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Daly City?
The average cost of solar panels in Daly City 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Daly City?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.