Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morgan Hill, CA (2024 Update)
- Morgan Hill Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
- 25-Year Savings: $20,628
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morgan Hill
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Morgan Hill.
In Morgan Hill, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,249 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Morgan Hill homeowners. The cost 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Morgan Hill
| 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 Morgan Hill
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Morgan Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morgan Hill
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Morgan Hill, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Morgan Hill, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Morgan Hill, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Morgan Hill, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morgan Hill?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Morgan Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
Does Morgan Hill have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.