Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Leandro, CA (2023 Update)
- San Leandro Solar Installation Cost: $5,754
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Leandro
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in San Leandro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Leandro it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in San Leandro, the average price of going solar will be about $5,752 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average San Leandro homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in San Leandro that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in San Leandro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,666 |
| 3 years | $-5,491 |
| 5 years | $-5,315 |
| 7 years | $-5,140 |
| 9 years | $-4,964 |
| 11 years | $-4,788 |
| 13 years | $-4,613 |
| 15 years | $-4,437 |
| 17 years | $-4,262 |
| 19 years | $-4,086 |
| 21 years | $-3,911 |
| 23 years | $-3,735 |
| 25 years | $-3,560 |
Top Solar Installers in San Leandro
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 San Leandro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Leandro
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in San Leandro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many San Leandro homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for San Leandro homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in San Leandro, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $40,546 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,367 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,341 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,468 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,747 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,180 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,765 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,504 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in San Leandro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 San Leandro, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Leandro?
The average cost of solar panels in San Leandro 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in San Leandro?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.