Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilroy, CA (2024 Update)
- Gilroy Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
- 25-Year Savings: $20,628
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilroy
We break down average solar pricing in Gilroy.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gilroy generally cost about 3.The average Gilroy homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,249 with the federal tax credit, or $10,366 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Gilroy depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $34,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gilroy find going solar can be quite rewarding.
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 | $-5,711 |
| 3 years | $-2,635 |
| 5 years | $441 |
| 7 years | $3,517 |
| 9 years | $6,592 |
| 11 years | $9,668 |
| 13 years | $12,744 |
| 15 years | $15,820 |
| 17 years | $18,896 |
| 19 years | $21,971 |
| 21 years | $25,047 |
| 23 years | $28,123 |
| 25 years | $31,199 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilroy
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Gilroy, optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Gilroy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilroy
For many Gilroy homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gilroy, 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility 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 increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down 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 company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Gilroy, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $37,783 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,766 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,943 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $77,315 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $90,881 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $104,641 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $118,596 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $132,745 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Gilroy, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gilroy?
The average cost of solar panels in Gilroy is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gilroy?
Solar panels aren’t free in Gilroy, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gilroy is currently $1,040,819, which means you could be looking at a value of about $42,674 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gilroy is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Gilroy?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.