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Solar Background
Live Data Analysis

Your solar report for Santa Cruz, CA

Exceptional solar conditions detected. Santa Cruz receives 5.80 hours of peak sunlight—well above national average. One factor determines if you can capitalize. Your area receives an average of 5.80 peak sun hours per day.

Solar Authority Score™
72 Good

Nearby Areas

Santa Cruz 95060 Santa Cruz 95062 Mount Hermon 95041 Santa Cruz 95065 Scotts Valley 95066 Capitola 95010
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Solar Coverage Map: Santa Cruz, CA

6 nearby locations
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Annual Electricity Offset

$2,742 /yr
High ROI Expected
Investment Grade: A+

Verified Solar Potential

Production
7,971 kWh per year (Est.)

Payback Period

4.1 Years

Time until system pays for itself

25-Year Lifetime Savings

$57,392

Estimated net profit after system costs

Fed. Tax Credit (30%)

$4,783
Money back in pocket

Available Incentives & Rebates

Residents of Santa Cruz may qualify for 6 active programs.

Federal Programs (Apply to Everyone)

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 48E)
Benefit Value Pass-through Savings

If you lease your system (PPA), the solar company claims this credit and passes savings to you. Valid through 2032.

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC)
Benefit Value 30% (Expiring 2025)

30% Tax Credit for systems installed by Dec 31, 2025. CRITICAL: For 2026, this credit is set to expire for homeowner-owned systems unless extended. Leases (Third-Party) still qualify under Sec. 48E.

CA State Incentives

Variable Rate
Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)

Exported energy is credited at avoided cost rates (variable). encourages battery storage.

Up to $3,000
DAC-SASH

Upfront incentives for low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities.

~$200/kWh
SGIP Battery Rebate

Upfront rebate for installing energy storage systems (batteries).

100% Excluded
Property Tax Exclusion

Active solar energy systems are excluded from property tax assessment.

Efficiency

Code: 95064
EXCELLENT Score

5.80 Peak Sun Hours / day

Live Solar Forecast

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Production Efficiency --%

Fetching satellite data for Santa Cruz...

Peak Sun Hours Comparison

Excellent
Bar chart comparing Santa Cruz's 5.80 peak sun hours to the national average of 4.5 hours Santa Cruz National Avg State Avg 5.80 hrs 4.50 hrs 6.06 hrs 0h 2h 4h 6h

Santa Cruz receives 29% more peak sunlight than the U.S. average, indicating excellent solar production potential.

Solar Physics Simulator

Sun path trajectory for Santa Cruz

-8.9° Max Elevation
Sun path diagram showing summer vs winter trajectory in Santa Cruz East South West Summer (June) -8.9° Altitude Winter (Dec) -38.6° Altitude

In Santa Cruz, the sun is 29.7° lower in the sky during winter.
💡 Tip: Panels positioned at a 33.3° tilt will capture maximum energy year-round.

Why Solar in Santa Cruz?

With 5.80 average peak sun hours and potential savings of $2,742 annually, Santa Cruz residents have a clear path to energy independence. Local focus: NEM 3.0 and high electricity rates. With rates climbing 8% annually, every month of delay costs you money.

True Cost Calculator

Average System Cost $15,942
🇺🇸 Federal Tax Credit (30%)
- $4,783
🏛️ CA Rebate
- $1,000
Your Net Cost
$10,159
Financial Showdown

If you had $25k... Stock Market vs. Solar

Comparing a 20-year investment in the S&P 500 versus purchasing a solar system in Santa Cruz.

S&P 500 (Historical 7%) $60,981 Net Profit
Taxable
Solar Energy System $72,180 Tax-Free Gain
Winner 👑
Savings: $73,680 + Property Value: $16,000

Solar Outperforms by 18%

Unlike stock market gains which are taxed at ~15-20%, the money you save on electricity is 100% tax-free. Plus, solar increases your home's resale value immediately.

The Santa Cruz solar market has 7 primary installers. Quality and warranty terms matter more than price in smaller markets.