Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Altos Hills, CA (2023 Update)
- Los Altos Hills Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $19,277
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Altos Hills
See how much it might cost to go solar in Los Altos Hills.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Los Altos Hills generally cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Los Altos Hills, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,695, or $8,144 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Los Altos Hills find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Los Altos Hills that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Los Altos Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,696 |
| 3 years | $-2,698 |
| 5 years | $-700 |
| 7 years | $1,297 |
| 9 years | $3,295 |
| 11 years | $5,293 |
| 13 years | $7,290 |
| 15 years | $9,288 |
| 17 years | $11,286 |
| 19 years | $13,284 |
| 21 years | $15,281 |
| 23 years | $17,279 |
| 25 years | $19,277 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Altos Hills
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Los Altos Hills, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Altos Hills
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 reduce 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 installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Los Altos Hills are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $38,282 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,349 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,568 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $77,940 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,465 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,143 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $118,974 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $132,958 | 5.1 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. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Altos Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Altos Hills is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Los Altos Hills?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.