Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Gatos, CA (2023 Update)
- Los Gatos Solar Installation Cost: $5,703
- 25-Year Savings: $19,851
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Gatos
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Los Gatos.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Los Gatos generally cost about 2.73. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Los Gatos, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $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 solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Los Gatos find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Los Gatos that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Los Gatos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,618 |
| 3 years | $-5,447 |
| 5 years | $-5,277 |
| 7 years | $-5,107 |
| 9 years | $-4,936 |
| 11 years | $-4,766 |
| 13 years | $-4,596 |
| 15 years | $-4,425 |
| 17 years | $-4,255 |
| 19 years | $-4,084 |
| 21 years | $-3,914 |
| 23 years | $-3,744 |
| 25 years | $-3,573 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Gatos
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another good thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Los Gatos:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Los Gatos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Gatos
The cost of installing a solar system in Los Gatos 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 your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher 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 panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Los Gatos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Los Gatos homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make 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 go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Los Gatos, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $39,454 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,911 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,520 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,283 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,199 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,267 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,488 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,863 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Los Gatos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking 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 like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Los Gatos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Los Gatos?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Los Gatos, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.