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

  • Santa Fe Springs Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,325
  • Payback Period: 9.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 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 Fe Springs

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Santa Fe Springs.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Santa Fe Springs, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Santa Fe Springs, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Santa Fe Springs homeowner can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Santa Fe Springs

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,736
3 years$-3,366
5 years$-997
7 years$1,373
9 years$3,742
11 years$6,112
13 years$8,481
15 years$10,851
17 years$13,220
19 years$15,590
21 years$17,959
23 years$20,329
25 years$22,698

Top Solar Installers in Santa Fe Springs

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Santa Fe Springs

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Fe Springs

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Santa Fe Springs, one of the most important 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 electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Santa Fe Springs homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Santa Fe Springs, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Santa Fe Springs know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$24,3709.6 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$32,8829.4 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$41,5899.2 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$50,4899.0 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$59,5848.8 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$68,8748.7 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$78,3578.5 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$88,0358.3 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Santa Fe Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Fe Springs?

The average cost of solar panels in Santa Fe Springs 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Santa Fe Springs?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Is it worth going solar in Santa Fe Springs?

Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.