Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Gatos, CA (2024 Update)
- Los Gatos Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
- 25-Year Savings: $19,851
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Gatos
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Los Gatos.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Los Gatos, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Los Gatos is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,249 for a solar installation, or $10,366 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Los Gatos based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Gatos
| 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 Los Gatos
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Los Gatos, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Los Gatos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Gatos
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Los Gatos is $7,249, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Los Gatos.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 Los Gatos, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Los Gatos homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Los Gatos’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $36,221 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,684 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,340 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,191 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,237 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,476 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,910 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,539 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Los Gatos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Los Gatos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Los Gatos?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.