Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilroy, CA (Jan 2023)
- Gilroy Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $20,636
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilroy
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gilroy.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gilroy typically cost around $3. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Gilroy, the average price of going solar will be about $5,695 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gilroy can save around $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Gilroy for a quote for your home.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Gilroy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilroy
There are a number of 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gilroy, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gilroy homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Gilroy, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Gilroy, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gilroy?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Gilroy?
You can't get solar panels for free in Gilroy. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Gilroy?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.