Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Fe Springs, CA (2023 Update)

  • Santa Fe Springs Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,323
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Fe Springs

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Santa Fe Springs.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Santa Fe Springs typically cost around 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,446 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $25,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Santa Fe Springs find going solar has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Santa Fe Springs

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,696
3 years $-3,194
5 years $-1,693
7 years $-191
9 years $1,310
11 years $2,812
13 years $4,314
15 years $5,815
17 years $7,317
19 years $8,818
21 years $10,320
23 years $11,821
25 years $13,323

Top Solar Installers in Santa Fe Springs

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Santa Fe Springs

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Fe Springs

The cost of installing a solar system in Santa Fe Springs can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Santa Fe Springs average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Santa Fe Springs, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Santa Fe Springs homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Santa Fe Springs' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $27,602 7.5 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $37,109 7.4 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $46,769 7.3 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $56,581 7.1 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $66,546 7.0 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $76,664 6.8 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $86,935 6.7 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $97,359 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Santa Fe Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Fe Springs?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority 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 electricity bills are already pretty 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.

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