Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portola Valley, CA (2024 Update)
- Portola Valley Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $18,654
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portola Valley
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Portola Valley.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Portola Valley is 3 per watt.The average Portola Valley homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,454 with the federal tax credit, or $10,659 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Portola Valley can save about $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Portola Valley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portola Valley
| 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 Portola Valley
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Portola Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portola Valley
For many Portola Valley homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Portola Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Portola Valley average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Portola Valley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $32,784 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,100 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,611 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,316 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,215 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,309 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $103,597 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,080 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Portola Valley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Long-standing 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Portola Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portola Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Portola Valley 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Portola Valley is currently $3,783,805, which means you can look forward to a value of about $155,136 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Portola Valley is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Portola Valley?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.