Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Menlo Park, CA (2023 Update)
- West Menlo Park Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $18,652
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Menlo Park
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in West Menlo Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Menlo Park, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West Menlo Park, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,867, or $8,390 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average West Menlo Park homeowners see about $30,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Menlo Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,886 |
| 3 years | $-2,925 |
| 5 years | $-963 |
| 7 years | $998 |
| 9 years | $2,960 |
| 11 years | $4,921 |
| 13 years | $6,883 |
| 15 years | $8,844 |
| 17 years | $10,806 |
| 19 years | $12,767 |
| 21 years | $14,729 |
| 23 years | $16,690 |
| 25 years | $18,652 |
Top Solar Installers in West Menlo Park
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in West Menlo Park:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in West Menlo Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Menlo Park
Even though the average cost of a solar system in West Menlo Park is $5,867, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in West Menlo Park. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 West Menlo Park, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. West Menlo Park's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $36,016 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,327 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $60,791 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,408 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,177 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,100 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,175 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,404 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's West Menlo Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Menlo Park?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Menlo Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Menlo Park is currently $2,000,001, which means you could be looking at a value of about $82,000 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Menlo Park is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.