Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saratoga, CA (2023 Update)
- Saratoga Solar Installation Cost: $5,703
- 25-Year Savings: $19,541
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saratoga
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Saratoga.
The average cost of solar panels in Saratoga is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Saratoga, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,695, or $8,144 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saratoga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,619 |
| 3 years | $-5,450 |
| 5 years | $-5,282 |
| 7 years | $-5,114 |
| 9 years | $-4,946 |
| 11 years | $-4,777 |
| 13 years | $-4,609 |
| 15 years | $-4,441 |
| 17 years | $-4,272 |
| 19 years | $-4,104 |
| 21 years | $-3,936 |
| 23 years | $-3,768 |
| 25 years | $-3,599 |
Top Solar Installers in Saratoga
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Saratoga:
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 Saratoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saratoga
Though the average cost of a solar system in Saratoga is $5,695, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Saratoga. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Saratoga, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $38,829 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,078 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,479 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,034 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,741 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,601 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,614 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,780 | 5.1 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. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Saratoga, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saratoga?
The average cost of solar panels in Saratoga 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Saratoga?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Does Saratoga have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.