Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunnyvale, CA (2024 Update)
- Sunnyvale Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
- 25-Year Savings: $18,116
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunnyvale
We break down average solar pricing in Sunnyvale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Sunnyvale is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sunnyvale, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,249, or $10,366 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company 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 $30,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Sunnyvale for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sunnyvale
| 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 Sunnyvale
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Sunnyvale:
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 Sunnyvale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunnyvale
The cost of installing a solar system in Sunnyvale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Sunnyvale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Sunnyvale homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Sunnyvale, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk 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 names.
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 | $32,731 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,031 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,524 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,212 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,094 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,170 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $103,441 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $115,906 | 6.8 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Sunnyvale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sunnyvale?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sunnyvale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 average daily 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 cover 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.