Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Cruz, CA (2024 Update)
- Santa Cruz Solar Installation Cost: $7,464
- 25-Year Savings: $20,459
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Cruz
We go over average solar pricing in Santa Cruz.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Santa Cruz, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Santa Cruz is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,464 for a solar installation, or $10,674 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $33,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Santa Cruz find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Santa Cruz, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Santa Cruz
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,926 |
| 3 years | $-2,850 |
| 5 years | $226 |
| 7 years | $3,302 |
| 9 years | $6,378 |
| 11 years | $9,453 |
| 13 years | $12,529 |
| 15 years | $15,605 |
| 17 years | $18,681 |
| 19 years | $21,757 |
| 21 years | $24,832 |
| 23 years | $27,908 |
| 25 years | $30,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Cruz
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Cruz
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Cruz
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Santa Cruz: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Santa Cruz, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Santa Cruz average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Santa Cruz to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Santa Cruz, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $36,259 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,734 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,403 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,267 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,325 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,577 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,024 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,665 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Santa Cruz, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Santa Cruz, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Cruz?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Cruz 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Santa Cruz?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Santa Cruz?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.