Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menlo Park, CA (2024 Update)
- Menlo Park Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $19,379
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menlo Park
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Menlo Park.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Menlo Park it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Menlo Park is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,454 for a solar installation, or $10,659 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Menlo Park homeowner can save around $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Menlo Park that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Menlo Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,916 |
| 3 years | $-2,840 |
| 5 years | $236 |
| 7 years | $3,312 |
| 9 years | $6,388 |
| 11 years | $9,463 |
| 13 years | $12,539 |
| 15 years | $15,615 |
| 17 years | $18,691 |
| 19 years | $21,767 |
| 21 years | $24,842 |
| 23 years | $27,918 |
| 25 years | $30,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Menlo Park
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Menlo Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menlo Park
Though the average cost of a solar system in Menlo Park is $7,454, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Menlo Park offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Menlo Park, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Menlo Park know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $34,201 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,990 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,974 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $70,151 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $82,523 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $95,090 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,850 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $120,805 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Menlo Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Menlo Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Menlo Park is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Menlo Park?
Each state has some kind 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?
Even though 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 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.