Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Gatos, CA (2024 Update)

  • Los Gatos Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,851
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Gatos

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Los Gatos.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Los Gatos, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Los Gatos is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,249 for a solar installation, or $10,366 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Los Gatos, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Los Gatos

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 Los Gatos

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Los Gatos

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Gatos

Although the average cost of a solar system in Los Gatos is $7,249, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 around $3,470. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Los Gatos average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Los Gatos is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $36,221 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,684 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,340 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,191 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,237 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,476 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,910 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,539 6.4 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Los Gatos, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Los Gatos?

The average cost of solar panels in Los Gatos 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 certain factors like the kind 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 certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for many 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 long do solar panels last in Los Gatos?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.

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