Solar Panel Cost Guide in Redwood City, CA (2024 Update)
- Redwood City 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 Redwood City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Redwood City.
In Redwood City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Redwood City, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,454, or $10,659 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Redwood City based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Redwood City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Redwood City
| 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 Redwood City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Redwood City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Redwood City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Redwood City: 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 energy system in Redwood City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to 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
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Redwood City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Redwood City?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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.