Solar power in Santa Ana, California
Southern California Edison (SCE) offer net metering to their customers, meaning it's easy for Santa Ana homeowners to wipe out their electric bill by going solar.
There is also federal solar tax credit, worth 26% in 2020, or 22% in 2021. When you do your taxes, part of the total system cost is covered instantly.
In Southern California. solar systems usually pay for themselves in 5-6 years. With many of these incentives set to step down or expire it's time to act now.
Net Metering Broken Down
1 for 1 with their retail power price for excess energy exported to the grid in a process called net metering available in Santa Ana. Sadly, customers of SCE must switch to time of use billing under NEM-2 net metering rules. This results in only about a 10% lower return from net metering. Thankfully, great sun exposure allows net metering to still be extremely profitable in Santa Ana.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Santa Ana,
California in 2024 is
$2.72 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Santa Ana, CA
is $13,600.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in California is only 573kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Santa Ana solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our California solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by City of Anaheim, San Diego Gas & Electric Co, Southern California Edison Co
How much can solar panels save you in Santa Ana
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 8.95kW solar system in Santa Ana, CA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $222, however your situation may vary so try our Santa Ana solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$16,955
Net cost of system
5 Years 8 Months
Average payback time
12,685 kWh
Annual power production
5¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
37¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 8.95kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$94,080
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
248
Solar companies in Santa Ana, CA that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Santa Ana
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,416 | $6,929 |
| 4kw | $8,377 | $9,047 |
| 5kw | $10,286 | $11,109 |
| 6kw | $12,077 | $13,043 |
| 7kw | $13,831 | $14,937 |
| 8kw | $15,451 | $16,687 |
| 9kw | $17,050 | $18,414 |
| 10kw | $18,500 | $19,980 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in California
Check out all of the ways energy providers of California can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
| Sonoma County - Energy Independence Program | Local | PACE Financing |
| NEM 2.0 | State | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
