Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Menlo Park, CA (2024 Update)
- West Menlo Park Solar Installation Cost: $7,454
- 25-Year Savings: $18,654
- Payback Period: 7.6 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 West Menlo Park
We go over average solar pricing in West Menlo Park.
The average cost of a solar system in West Menlo Park is 3 per watt.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Menlo Park, the average price of going solar will be about $7,454 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average West Menlo Park homeowner can save about $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in West Menlo Park for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Menlo Park
| 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 West Menlo Park
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 West Menlo Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Menlo Park
For many West Menlo Park homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Menlo Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly 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 notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Menlo Park, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many West Menlo Park homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Menlo Park is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 West Menlo Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Menlo Park?
The average cost of solar panels in West Menlo Park 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Menlo Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.