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

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 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 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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Lifetime workmanship warranty
  • Outstanding customer service
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Energy audits only available 12 months after installation

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 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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Lifetime workmanship warranty
  • Outstanding customer service
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Energy audits only available 12 months after installation

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.

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