Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Ana, CA (2023 Update)
- Santa Ana Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $13,265
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Ana
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Santa Ana.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Santa Ana it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Santa Ana is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,504 for a solar installation, or $7,871 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Santa Ana homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Santa Ana homeowner can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Santa Ana, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Santa Ana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,753 |
| 3 years | $-3,251 |
| 5 years | $-1,750 |
| 7 years | $-248 |
| 9 years | $1,253 |
| 11 years | $2,755 |
| 13 years | $4,256 |
| 15 years | $5,758 |
| 17 years | $7,259 |
| 19 years | $8,761 |
| 21 years | $10,262 |
| 23 years | $11,764 |
| 25 years | $13,265 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Ana
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Santa Ana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Ana
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,730. 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Santa Ana average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Santa Ana offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Santa Ana is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Santa Ana know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,120 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,466 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $45,965 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,617 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,421 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,379 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $85,489 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $95,752 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Santa Ana, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Santa Ana?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Ana is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Santa Ana?
You can't get solar panels for free in Santa Ana. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Santa Ana?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots 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 energy bills are already reasonably 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 larger 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.