Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milpitas, CA (2024 Update)

  • Milpitas Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,628
  • Payback Period: 6.9 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 Milpitas

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Milpitas.

In Milpitas, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Milpitas homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,249 with the federal tax credit, or $10,366 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Milpitas homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Milpitas can save about $34,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Milpitas

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 Milpitas

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Milpitas, optimizing your ROI.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Milpitas

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milpitas

The cost of installing a solar system in Milpitas can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Milpitas average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Milpitas homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Milpitas’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

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 $37,783 7.2 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $50,766 7.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $63,943 6.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $77,315 6.7 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $90,881 6.6 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $104,641 6.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $118,596 6.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $132,745 6.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

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 Milpitas, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Milpitas?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Milpitas?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in Milpitas?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

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