Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Clara, CA (2025 Update)
- Santa Clara Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
- 25-Year Savings: $17,836
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Clara
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Santa Clara.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Santa Clara generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Santa Clara, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,249, or $10,366 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $30,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Santa Clara find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Santa Clara
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-6,080 |
3 years | $-3,741 |
5 years | $-1,403 |
7 years | $935 |
9 years | $3,273 |
11 years | $5,611 |
13 years | $7,949 |
15 years | $10,287 |
17 years | $12,625 |
19 years | $14,964 |
21 years | $17,302 |
23 years | $19,640 |
25 years | $21,978 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Clara
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Santa Clara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Clara
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Santa Clara is $7,249, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Santa Clara provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Santa Clara, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $32,169 | 8.0 years |
8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $43,280 | 7.9 years |
10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $54,586 | 7.7 years |
12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $66,086 | 7.5 years |
14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $77,780 | 7.4 years |
16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $89,669 | 7.2 years |
18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $101,752 | 7.1 years |
20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $114,030 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Santa Clara, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Clara?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Clara is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Santa Clara?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Santa Clara?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.