Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Palo Alto, CA (2024 Update)
- East Palo Alto Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $18,654
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Palo Alto
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in East Palo Alto.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Palo Alto typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in East Palo Alto is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,454 for a solar installation, or $10,659 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average East Palo Alto homeowner can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in East Palo Alto, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Palo Alto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,916 |
| 3 years | $-2,840 |
| 5 years | $236 |
| 7 years | $3,312 |
| 9 years | $6,388 |
| 11 years | $9,463 |
| 13 years | $12,539 |
| 15 years | $15,615 |
| 17 years | $18,691 |
| 19 years | $21,767 |
| 21 years | $24,842 |
| 23 years | $27,918 |
| 25 years | $30,994 |
Top Solar Installers in East Palo Alto
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in East Palo Alto:
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
See all of the solar companies in East Palo Alto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Palo Alto
For many East Palo Alto homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Palo Alto, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in East Palo Alto.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Palo Alto to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for East Palo Alto homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in East Palo Alto, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $32,784 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,100 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,611 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,316 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,215 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,309 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $103,597 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,080 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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
EcoWatch's East Palo Alto, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Palo Alto?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in East Palo Alto?
Solar panels aren’t free in East Palo Alto, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 East Palo Alto have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.