Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santee, CA (2024 Update)

  • Santee Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,661
  • Payback Period: 7.4 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 Santee

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Santee.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Santee is 3 per watt.The average Santee homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,837 with the federal tax credit, or $9,777 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Santee can save about $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Santee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,178
3 years $-1,860
5 years $1,459
7 years $4,777
9 years $8,095
11 years $11,413
13 years $14,731
15 years $18,050
17 years $21,368
19 years $24,686
21 years $28,004
23 years $31,322
25 years $34,641

Top Solar Installers in Santee

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Santee:

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 Santee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santee

The cost of installing a solar system in Santee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Santee, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Santee homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Santee homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Santee is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $33,955 7.7 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $45,662 7.6 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $57,564 7.4 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $69,659 7.3 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $81,949 7.1 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $94,434 7.0 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $107,112 6.8 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $119,985 6.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

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 Santee, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santee?

The average cost of solar panels in Santee 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 certain factors like the model 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 certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Santee have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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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