Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stanford, CA (Feb 2023)
- Stanford Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $18,824
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stanford
We break down average solar pricing in Stanford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stanford it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0 would cost about $5,695 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Stanford based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Stanford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stanford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,714 |
| 3 years | $-2,753 |
| 5 years | $-791 |
| 7 years | $1,170 |
| 9 years | $3,132 |
| 11 years | $5,093 |
| 13 years | $7,055 |
| 15 years | $9,016 |
| 17 years | $10,978 |
| 19 years | $12,939 |
| 21 years | $14,901 |
| 23 years | $16,862 |
| 25 years | $18,824 |
Top Solar Installers in Stanford
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Stanford, the EcoWatch team has 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Stanford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stanford
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Stanford: 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, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Stanford, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Stanford, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Stanford's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Stanford have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $37,371 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,134 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $63,050 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $76,118 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $89,340 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,714 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $116,241 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,921 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Stanford, 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: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- 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.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Stanford, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stanford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stanford?
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 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Stanford?
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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.