Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Lorenzo, CA (2024 Update)
- San Lorenzo Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Lorenzo
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in San Lorenzo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Lorenzo it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in San Lorenzo, the average price of going solar will be about $7,314 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of San Lorenzo homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in San Lorenzo find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in San Lorenzo for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in San Lorenzo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,776 |
| 3 years | $-2,700 |
| 5 years | $376 |
| 7 years | $3,452 |
| 9 years | $6,528 |
| 11 years | $9,603 |
| 13 years | $12,679 |
| 15 years | $15,755 |
| 17 years | $18,831 |
| 19 years | $21,907 |
| 21 years | $24,982 |
| 23 years | $28,058 |
| 25 years | $31,134 |
Top Solar Installers in San Lorenzo
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 San Lorenzo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Lorenzo
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in San Lorenzo: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want 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
Most solar companies in San Lorenzo offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in San Lorenzo, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in San Lorenzo are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $37,313 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,140 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,161 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,376 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,785 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,389 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,187 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,180 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 San Lorenzo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Lorenzo?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in San Lorenzo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in San Lorenzo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.