Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunnyvale, TX (2024 Update)
- Sunnyvale Solar Installation Cost: $17,930
- 25-Year Savings: $20,403
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunnyvale
We go over average solar pricing in Sunnyvale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Sunnyvale is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sunnyvale, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,930, or $25,640 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Sunnyvale homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Sunnyvale for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sunnyvale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,588 |
| 3 years | $-13,904 |
| 5 years | $-11,219 |
| 7 years | $-8,534 |
| 9 years | $-5,850 |
| 11 years | $-3,165 |
| 13 years | $-480 |
| 15 years | $2,204 |
| 17 years | $4,889 |
| 19 years | $7,573 |
| 21 years | $10,258 |
| 23 years | $12,943 |
| 25 years | $15,627 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunnyvale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sunnyvale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sunnyvale have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sunnyvale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Sunnyvale know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $12,667 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,263 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,045 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $27,013 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $32,168 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $37,509 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $43,037 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $48,751 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sunnyvale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sunnyvale?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Sunnyvale, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.