Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portola Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- Portola Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,864
- 25-Year Savings: $18,654
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portola Valley
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Portola Valley.
In Portola Valley, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Portola Valley, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,867, or $8,390 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Portola Valley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Portola Valley see about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Portola Valley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portola Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,326 |
| 3 years | $-1,250 |
| 5 years | $1,825 |
| 7 years | $4,901 |
| 9 years | $7,977 |
| 11 years | $11,053 |
| 13 years | $14,129 |
| 15 years | $17,204 |
| 17 years | $20,280 |
| 19 years | $23,356 |
| 21 years | $26,432 |
| 23 years | $29,508 |
| 25 years | $32,583 |
Top Solar Installers in Portola Valley
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Portola Valley, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Portola Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portola Valley
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Portola Valley, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Portola Valley offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Portola Valley, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $36,016 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,327 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $60,791 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,408 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,177 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,100 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,175 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,404 | 5.4 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Portola Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portola Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Portola Valley is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model 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?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Portola Valley?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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.