Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain View, CA (2024 Update)
- Mountain View Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
- 25-Year Savings: $18,683
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain View
We break down average solar pricing in Mountain View.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mountain View it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Mountain View, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,249, or $10,366 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Mountain View can save around $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Mountain View, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mountain View
| 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 Mountain View
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Mountain View
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain View
While the average cost of a solar system in Mountain View is $7,249, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Mountain View.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mountain View average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Mountain View homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mountain View homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Mountain View, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $33,872 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,551 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,425 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,493 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,755 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $94,212 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $106,863 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,708 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Mountain View, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mountain View?
The average cost of solar panels in Mountain View is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mountain View?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.