Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Maria, CA (2025 Update)
- Santa Maria Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $20,953
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Maria
We go over average solar pricing in Santa Maria.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Santa Maria typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Santa Maria homeowner can save around $36,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Santa Maria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,298 |
| 3 years | $-2,222 |
| 5 years | $854 |
| 7 years | $3,929 |
| 9 years | $7,005 |
| 11 years | $10,081 |
| 13 years | $13,157 |
| 15 years | $16,233 |
| 17 years | $19,308 |
| 19 years | $22,384 |
| 21 years | $25,460 |
| 23 years | $28,536 |
| 25 years | $31,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Maria
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Santa Maria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Maria
For many Santa Maria homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Santa Maria, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.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 get 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Santa Maria average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Santa Maria offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Santa Maria homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $40,980 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $55,028 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $69,271 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $83,708 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $98,340 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $113,166 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $128,186 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $143,401 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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 challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
EcoWatch's Santa Maria, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Maria?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Santa Maria, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.