Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Maria, CA (2024 Update)
- Santa Maria Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $20,953
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 generally 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.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Santa Maria based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Santa Maria can save around $36,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, 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 use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Santa Maria:
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 Maria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Maria
The cost of installing a solar system in Santa Maria can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Santa Maria.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Santa Maria average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Santa Maria, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Santa Maria, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Maria, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Santa Maria?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Maria is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate 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 will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.