Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Ana, CA (2024 Update)

  • Santa Ana Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,257
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Ana

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Santa Ana.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Santa Ana, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Santa Ana is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,006 for a solar installation, or $10,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Santa Ana homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Santa Ana homeowner can save about $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Santa Ana, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Santa Ana

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,821
3 years $-3,451
5 years $-1,082
7 years $1,288
9 years $3,657
11 years $6,027
13 years $8,396
15 years $10,766
17 years $13,135
19 years $15,505
21 years $17,874
23 years $20,244
25 years $22,613

Top Solar Installers in Santa Ana

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Santa Ana:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Santa Ana

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Ana

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Santa Ana, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Santa Ana average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Santa Ana, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Santa Ana, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 $3.61 $15,157 $23,888 9.7 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,239 9.5 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $40,785 9.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $49,525 9.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $58,459 9.0 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $67,588 8.8 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $76,911 8.6 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $86,428 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Santa Ana, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Santa Ana?

The average cost of solar panels in Santa Ana is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Santa Ana?

Solar panels aren’t free in Santa Ana, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 level 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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