Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Clara, UT (2023 Update)
- Santa Clara Solar Installation Cost: $9,042
- 25-Year Savings: $12,561
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Clara
We go over average solar pricing in Santa Clara.
In Santa Clara, solar panels cost about 2.68 per watt on average. The average Santa Clara homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,042 with the federal tax credit, or $12,930 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Santa Clara homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Santa Clara see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Santa Clara for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Santa Clara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,178 |
| 3 years | $-6,450 |
| 5 years | $-4,722 |
| 7 years | $-2,993 |
| 9 years | $-1,265 |
| 11 years | $463 |
| 13 years | $2,191 |
| 15 years | $3,919 |
| 17 years | $5,648 |
| 19 years | $7,376 |
| 21 years | $9,104 |
| 23 years | $10,832 |
| 25 years | $12,561 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Clara
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Santa Clara:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Santa Clara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Clara
For many Santa Clara homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Santa Clara, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several 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 variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production 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 $2,680. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Santa Clara, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Santa Clara's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.79 | $11,706 | $15,194 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $20,558 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $26,073 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $31,738 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $37,553 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $43,518 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $49,633 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $55,898 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Santa Clara, UT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Clara?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Santa Clara?
Solar panels aren't free in Santa Clara, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Santa Clara is currently $284,032, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,645 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Santa Clara is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get 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 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 buy 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.