Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saratoga, CA (2025 Update)
- Saratoga Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
- 25-Year Savings: $19,541
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saratoga
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Saratoga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Saratoga, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Saratoga, the average price of going solar will be about $7,249 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Saratoga based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Saratoga homeowner can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Saratoga, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saratoga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,711 |
| 3 years | $-2,635 |
| 5 years | $441 |
| 7 years | $3,517 |
| 9 years | $6,592 |
| 11 years | $9,668 |
| 13 years | $12,744 |
| 15 years | $15,820 |
| 17 years | $18,896 |
| 19 years | $21,971 |
| 21 years | $25,047 |
| 23 years | $28,123 |
| 25 years | $31,199 |
Top Solar Installers in Saratoga
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Saratoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saratoga
For many Saratoga homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Saratoga, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly 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 key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at 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 companies in Saratoga offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Saratoga 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 company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Saratoga, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,597 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,851 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,299 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,942 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $85,779 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $98,810 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $112,036 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,456 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Saratoga, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saratoga?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I 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 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Saratoga?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Saratoga?
Although 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 opt 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.