Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Maria, CA (2023 Update)
- Santa Maria Solar Installation Cost: $5,378
- 25-Year Savings: $20,953
- Payback Period: 5.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Maria
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Santa Maria.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Santa Maria generally cost about 2.73. Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Santa Maria, the average price of going solar will be about $5,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $36,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Santa Maria find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Santa Maria for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Santa Maria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-3,840 |
| 3 years | $-764 |
| 5 years | $2,311 |
| 7 years | $5,387 |
| 9 years | $8,463 |
| 11 years | $11,539 |
| 13 years | $14,615 |
| 15 years | $17,690 |
| 17 years | $20,766 |
| 19 years | $23,842 |
| 21 years | $26,918 |
| 23 years | $29,994 |
| 25 years | $33,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Maria
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Santa Maria:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Santa Maria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Maria
Although the average cost of a solar system in Santa Maria is $5,370, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 about $2,730. The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Santa Maria average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Santa Maria, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Santa Maria, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $44,212 | 5.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $59,255 | 5.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $74,451 | 5.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $89,800 | 5.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $105,302 | 4.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $120,957 | 4.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $136,764 | 4.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $152,725 | 4.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Santa Maria, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Santa Maria, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Maria?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Maria is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Santa Maria?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.