Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Clara, UT (2024 Update)
- Santa Clara Solar Installation Cost: $11,097
- 25-Year Savings: $12,564
- Payback Period: 12.8 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 Clara
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Santa Clara.
The average cost of a solar system in Santa Clara is 3 per watt.The average Santa Clara homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,097 with the federal tax credit, or $15,869 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Santa Clara find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Santa Clara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,101 |
| 3 years | $-8,109 |
| 5 years | $-6,116 |
| 7 years | $-4,124 |
| 9 years | $-2,132 |
| 11 years | $-140 |
| 13 years | $1,853 |
| 15 years | $3,845 |
| 17 years | $5,837 |
| 19 years | $7,829 |
| 21 years | $9,821 |
| 23 years | $11,814 |
| 25 years | $13,806 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Clara
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- 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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Santa Clara: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Santa Clara, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Most solar installers in Santa Clara have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Santa Clara’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.42 | $14,371 | $12,529 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.36 | $18,792 | $17,074 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.29 | $23,030 | $21,803 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.22 | $27,083 | $26,717 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.16 | $30,952 | $31,814 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.09 | $34,637 | $37,096 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.03 | $38,138 | $42,562 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.96 | $41,454 | $48,212 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Santa Clara, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- 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 hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,450 for a 5-kW system and $32,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Santa Clara?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Santa Clara. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels 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 $543,388, which means you can look forward to a value of about $22,279 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Santa Clara is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.