Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Mateo, CA (2024 Update)
- San Mateo 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 San Mateo
We go over average solar pricing in San Mateo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in San Mateo, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in San Mateo, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,454, or $10,659 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in San Mateo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Mateo
| 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 San Mateo
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in San Mateo, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Mateo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Mateo
Though the average cost of a solar system in San Mateo is $7,454, 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 panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the San Mateo average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in San Mateo, you’ll have many 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $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
There are numerous companies available in San Mateo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Mateo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Mateo?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to 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 areas 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.
Is it worth going solar in San Mateo?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.