Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Clarita, CA (2023 Update)
- Santa Clarita Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,883
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Clarita
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Santa Clarita.
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Clarita is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Santa Clarita is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,446 for a solar installation, or $7,788 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Santa Clarita homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Santa Clarita for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Santa Clarita
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,673 |
| 3 years | $-3,127 |
| 5 years | $-1,581 |
| 7 years | $-34 |
| 9 years | $1,512 |
| 11 years | $3,058 |
| 13 years | $4,605 |
| 15 years | $6,151 |
| 17 years | $7,697 |
| 19 years | $9,244 |
| 21 years | $10,790 |
| 23 years | $12,336 |
| 25 years | $13,883 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Clarita
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Santa Clarita
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Clarita
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Santa Clarita: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant 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 $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Santa Clarita, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Santa Clarita, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $28,782 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,681 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,734 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,939 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $69,298 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $79,809 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $90,473 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $101,290 | 6.3 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Santa Clarita, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Clarita?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Clarita 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 certain factors like 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 Santa Clarita?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 switching to solar power worth it?
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 energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.