Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilroy, CA (2023 Update)
- Gilroy Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $20,636
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilroy
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gilroy.
The average cost of solar panels in Gilroy is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Gilroy, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,695, or $8,144 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gilroy homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Gilroy can save around $34,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Gilroy, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gilroy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,642 |
| 3 years | $-2,535 |
| 5 years | $-429 |
| 7 years | $1,678 |
| 9 years | $3,784 |
| 11 years | $5,891 |
| 13 years | $7,997 |
| 15 years | $10,104 |
| 17 years | $12,210 |
| 19 years | $14,317 |
| 21 years | $16,423 |
| 23 years | $18,530 |
| 25 years | $20,636 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilroy
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Gilroy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilroy
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 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 Gilroy to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Gilroy is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $41,015 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,993 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,123 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $83,407 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $97,843 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $112,432 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $127,174 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $142,069 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Gilroy, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gilroy?
The average cost of solar panels in Gilroy 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gilroy?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Gilroy have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 account for 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.