Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain View Acres, CA (2023 Update)
- Mountain View Acres Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $13,283
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain View Acres
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Mountain View Acres.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mountain View Acres, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Mountain View Acres, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,485, or $7,844 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mountain View Acres 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 adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Mountain View Acres can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Mountain View Acres, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mountain View Acres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,301 |
| 3 years | $-1,932 |
| 5 years | $438 |
| 7 years | $2,807 |
| 9 years | $5,177 |
| 11 years | $7,546 |
| 13 years | $9,916 |
| 15 years | $12,285 |
| 17 years | $14,655 |
| 19 years | $17,024 |
| 21 years | $19,394 |
| 23 years | $21,763 |
| 25 years | $24,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Mountain View Acres
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company 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
See all of the solar companies in Mountain View Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain View Acres
For many Mountain View Acres homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mountain View Acres, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mountain View Acres, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mountain View Acres to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. 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 last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Mountain View Acres, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $27,303 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,710 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,270 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,982 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,848 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,866 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,038 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $96,362 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Mountain View Acres, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Mountain View Acres, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mountain View Acres?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mountain View Acres?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mountain View Acres?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.