Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain View, CA (2023 Update)
- Mountain View Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $18,691
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain View
We break down average solar pricing in Mountain View.
In Mountain View, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Mountain View homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,695 with the federal tax credit, or $8,144 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mountain View see about $31,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Mountain View, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mountain View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,719 |
| 3 years | $-2,768 |
| 5 years | $-818 |
| 7 years | $1,133 |
| 9 years | $3,084 |
| 11 years | $5,035 |
| 13 years | $6,986 |
| 15 years | $8,937 |
| 17 years | $10,888 |
| 19 years | $12,838 |
| 21 years | $14,789 |
| 23 years | $16,740 |
| 25 years | $18,691 |
Top Solar Installers in Mountain View
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Mountain View
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain View
There are several factors that can determine your 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Mountain View. 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Mountain View, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mountain View is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $37,104 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,778 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,605 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,585 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,717 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,003 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $115,441 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,032 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Mountain View, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Mountain View, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mountain View?
The average cost of solar panels in Mountain View is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Mountain View?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.