The sun always shines on Sunnyvale

The state of solar in Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale lives up to its name with 260 days of pure sunshine a year.^*BestPlaces.net, Sunnyvale, California Climate With 97% of the city’s rooftops solar viable,^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018) it's one of the best places in California to invest in pure, clean energy. In 2019, Sunnyvale committed to following a Climate Action Playbook with an aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. The city is already nearly halfway to its goal of reaching emission levels 56% below 1990 levels by 2030.

How much solar energy does Sunnyvale produce?

Sunnyvale is the 7th most populous in the Bay Area and already has more than 1,800 existing solar installations.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018) As of 2018, only about 1% of the city’s power came from solar sources, but plans are in action to increase that rate to 5% by 2050, and efforts are paying off. Between 2014 and 2016, the city increased its solar capacity from 9.79 MW to 13.23 MW or roughly 35%.

The city of Sunnyvale itself signed a contract last year for a solar facility with a capacity of 100 MW of solar PV. This installation is scheduled to be fully operational by June 2022 and will last the community for at least 15 years.^*Silicon Valley Clean Energy, MBCP and SVCE Sign Contracts for 210 MW of Geothermal and Solar Energy in California. April 2020.

What are the advantages of going solar in Sunnyvale?

Coastal cities like Sunnyvale have a lot to gain from a solar reawakening. As clean energy sources become more mainstream and affordable, a private solar system's financial and communal benefits will only grow.

Clean energy is an investment in the future. Of course, you save on personal electricity costs, but the benefits go far beyond that. Experts project that the west coast will experience rising sea levels of up to seven feet by the end of the century and a full six inches within the next nine years.^*SFGATE, Map in new study shows impact of 4-foot sea-level rise on San Francisco Bay Area. December 2019.

Solar energy is carbon neutral and serves as one way you can help reduce carbon emissions in our community and take part in the fight against climate change while reducing your electricity costs in the process. A 5 kW system has the potential to pay for itself in 12-13 years while offering up to $18,000 in electricity cost savings.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Sunnyvale, CA. April 2021.

How much does solar cost in Sunnyvale?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• The angle of your roof

• Roof space

• Weather

• Quality of the solar panels and parts

• Your household's energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Installers 2020/2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Sunnyvale, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $2.68 to $6.70, or in other words, from $13,400 to $33,500 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

If you’re a customer of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Sunnyvale’s electricity utility provider, you may be able to take advantage of the Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program and the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).

SASH offers a $3 per watt rebate for installed solar capacity up to 5 kW, while SGIP offers a per-watt rebate for solar battery storage installation. That rebate is based on a step-down system, and rates vary.

In addition to these programs, there's also a federal tax credit of 30%.^*Tax credits subject to change. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information

What's the best way to go solar in Sunnyvale?

How and when you should install solar panels depends on your specific needs. It’s important to consider your budget, as well as factors such as your available unshaded roof space and your average energy consumption.

A reputable solar provider can help you take these factors into consideration, answer all your questions, and provide a comprehensive consultation where you’ll receive a solar design, cost and savings estimate, and an overview of any incentives or rebates available to you.

Request a free consultation below to take the first step towards clean energy and savings today. We'll contact you to find a time that works best with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.