Solar Panel Cost Guide in Half Moon Bay, CA (2024 Update)
- Half Moon Bay Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $20,467
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Half Moon Bay
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Half Moon Bay.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Half Moon Bay it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Half Moon Bay, the average price of going solar will be about $7,454 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Half Moon Bay
| 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 Half Moon Bay
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Half Moon Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Half Moon Bay
The cost of installing a solar system in Half Moon Bay can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Half Moon Bay, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Half Moon Bay homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Half Moon Bay, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $36,328 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,826 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,518 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,404 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,485 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,760 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,230 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,894 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Half Moon Bay, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Half Moon Bay?
The average cost of solar panels in Half Moon Bay is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Half Moon Bay?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.