Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menlo Park, CA (2023 Update)
- Menlo Park Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $19,377
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menlo Park
We go over average solar pricing in Menlo Park.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Menlo Park is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Menlo Park is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,867 for a solar installation, or $8,390 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Menlo Park depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Menlo Park can save about $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Menlo Park, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Menlo Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,857 |
| 3 years | $-2,838 |
| 5 years | $-818 |
| 7 years | $1,201 |
| 9 years | $3,221 |
| 11 years | $5,240 |
| 13 years | $7,260 |
| 15 years | $9,279 |
| 17 years | $11,299 |
| 19 years | $13,318 |
| 21 years | $15,338 |
| 23 years | $17,357 |
| 25 years | $19,377 |
Top Solar Installers in Menlo Park
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Menlo Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menlo Park
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Menlo Park: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Menlo Park homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Menlo Park, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Menlo Park have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $37,434 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,217 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $63,154 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $76,243 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $89,485 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,880 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $116,428 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $130,129 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Menlo Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Menlo Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Menlo Park?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Menlo Park?
Solar panels aren't free in Menlo Park, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Menlo Park?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.