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Santa Cruz Solar Panels: 2022 Cost and Local Incentives

Written by Michelle Honeyager/

Edited by Jamie Cesanek

Last updated 12/10/2022

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Get an estimate of solar cost and savings at your home.

Is solar right for your home?
Get an estimate of solar cost and savings at your home.

Aerial view of Santa Cruz, California during a bright, sunny day.
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Santa Cruz Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great option for Santa Cruz residents looking to make a significant financial and environmental investment. Solar is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint because it conserves energy. Generating power through the array can also help you establish energy independence. Read this page to learn about the cost of solar panels in Santa Cruz, local solar incentives, and how much money you could save over the years by installing panels. 

Ready to go solar? Call 866-420-6556 to be connected with a solar expert today!

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Cost of solar panels in Santa Cruz

The most important aspect when considering solar panels is the installation cost. The average price in the U.S. for residential solar systems is $3.67 per watt, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. 

The average price per watt for a solar system in Santa Cruz was $4.94, with an average system size of 6 kilowatts (kW) in 2021. These costs are higher than the national average but can be brought down after factoring in solar tax credits and incentives.

How much do solar panels cost in Santa Cruz in 2022?

Factors like roof size, shade, and condition affect how well solar panels would work for your home. The average total cost of panels in Santa Cruz was $29,782 as of 2021. 

Although solar is a significant investment, the long-term savings can make it worthwhile. Based on the average monthly electricity bill in California, which is currently $155.98, you could expect to recover your initial installation costs in about 11 years. Once you’re done paying back the array, you can begin to make significant electricity savings. After 20 years with your array in Santa Cruz, you could save roughly $16,588. However, energy costs increase over time, meaning your savings may eventually be higher.

Average solar panel cost by system size in Santa Cruz

Here’s how the cost of solar panels in Santa Cruz compares to U.S. averages:

Price Per WattSystem Size (kW)Cost
Santa Cruz$4.946 kW$29,782
U.S.$3.678.6 kW$31,558

You can determine how large of a solar array to buy for your home by checking your annual usage on your electricity bill. This information appears  in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To get the most accurate estimate, calculate energy use averages across the whole year. If you don’t have these specific numbers, you can use our energy consumption calculator to estimate. The solar array would need to produce at least that amount of electricity or more monthly to meet 100% of your consumption.  

The federal government has a 30% tax credit that can help reduce costs, called the Residential Clean Energy Credit. The incentive could help you recover $8,935 from the average installation cost in Santa Cruz, bringing the net price down to $20,847.

Get your free solar savings estimate

You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate.

Solar companies in Santa Cruz

If you’re a Santa Cruz resident wanting to learn more about whether solar could work for your home, SaveOnEnergy can help. We can connect you with nearby solar installer partners. You can also explore our solar resources to learn about the installation process, materials, and more. To start getting in touch with installers, fill out the form on this page.     

Is going solar in Santa Cruz right for you?

Santa Cruz customers can access solar in various ways, depending on your living situation. Keep  reading to learn how renters, homeowners, and communities in Santa Cruz can explore solar power. 

Solar for renters

Whether or not you can install solar on a rental property is entirely up to your landlord. If they seem like they’d be open to the idea, you can discuss more details with your landlord about the potential of adding solar to your building. You can also access solar directly by using smaller systems, such as patio arrays. 

Another way to benefit from solar without installing your own panels is through a community solar program. With these programs, residents subscribe to a shared off-site array that powers all of their homes.

Solar for homeowners

As a homeowner, the decision to install solar is all yours. However, the upfront costs can be a challenge for many people. Homeowners often look into solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) or leasing contracts. These contracts allow a solar developer to manage and install the system on your property. 

However, purchasing your system up front will ultimately lead to the most long-term savings on electricity bills and can increase your home’s resale value by about $15,000. Buying your array is also the only way to access the federal tax credit and other incentives.

Santa Cruz Solar Power FAQs

  • Array sizes and local installer prices influence the total cost of solar. The average cost of a solar system in Santa Cruz is $29,782, as of 2021. However, costs vary depending on your home and energy usage. You can use the SaveOnEnergy marketplace to connect with an installer to learn more about pricing.

     

  • Solar power can lead to huge long-term savings. The upfront costs are significant, but you could save at least $16,588 after 20 years. 

  • You can fill out SaveOnEnergy’s solar form to get in touch with a reputable installer. The installer can help you explore financing options and whether solar is feasible for you.

  • Solar arrays do not directly emit carbon dioxides, making them a cleaner solution than oil or coal. Installing solar panels can help you reduce your carbon footprint. If you want to learn more, you can read more about solar and how it affects our environment through our solar energy rundown  and solar renewability answer guide resources pages.

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