Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsborough, CA (2024 Update)
- Hillsborough Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $20,467
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsborough
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hillsborough.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hillsborough is 3 per watt.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Hillsborough, the average price of going solar will be about $7,454 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hillsborough find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,916 |
| 3 years | $-2,840 |
| 5 years | $236 |
| 7 years | $3,312 |
| 9 years | $6,388 |
| 11 years | $9,463 |
| 13 years | $12,539 |
| 15 years | $15,615 |
| 17 years | $18,691 |
| 19 years | $21,767 |
| 21 years | $24,842 |
| 23 years | $27,918 |
| 25 years | $30,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsborough
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 Hillsborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsborough
The cost of installing a solar system in Hillsborough can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, 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 panel system in Hillsborough, 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hillsborough to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Hillsborough’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hillsborough know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,328 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,826 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,518 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,404 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,485 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,760 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,230 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,894 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type 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 making your decision.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Hillsborough, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillsborough?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hillsborough, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Hillsborough?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.