Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menlo Park, CA (2024 Update)
- Menlo Park Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $19,379
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menlo Park
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Menlo Park.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Menlo Park it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Menlo Park, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,454, or $10,659 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 energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Menlo Park, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Menlo Park
| 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 Menlo Park
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Menlo Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menlo Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Menlo Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Menlo Park, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Menlo Park average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Menlo Park have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Menlo Park is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $34,201 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,990 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,974 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $70,151 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $82,523 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $95,090 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,850 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $120,805 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Menlo Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Menlo Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Menlo Park is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Menlo Park?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.