Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Altos, CA (2023 Update)
- Los Altos Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $19,549
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Altos
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Los Altos.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Los Altos generally cost around 2.73. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Los Altos, the average price of going solar will be about $5,695 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Los Altos depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Los Altos homeowner can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Los Altos for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Los Altos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,685 |
| 3 years | $-2,666 |
| 5 years | $-646 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,393 |
| 11 years | $5,412 |
| 13 years | $7,432 |
| 15 years | $9,451 |
| 17 years | $11,471 |
| 19 years | $13,490 |
| 21 years | $15,510 |
| 23 years | $17,529 |
| 25 years | $19,549 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Altos
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Los Altos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Altos
For many Los Altos homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Los Altos, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Los Altos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Los Altos homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Los Altos homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Los Altos, 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,829 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,078 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,479 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,034 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,741 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,601 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,614 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,780 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Los Altos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Altos?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Altos 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 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 Los Altos?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Los Altos 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 give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.