Solar Panel Cost Guide in American Canyon, CA (2023 Update)
- American Canyon Solar Installation Cost: $5,848
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in American Canyon
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in American Canyon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in American Canyon it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in American Canyon, the average price of going solar will be about $5,848 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of American Canyon homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in American Canyon see about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in American Canyon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in American Canyon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,794 |
| 3 years | $-2,688 |
| 5 years | $-581 |
| 7 years | $1,525 |
| 9 years | $3,632 |
| 11 years | $5,738 |
| 13 years | $7,844 |
| 15 years | $9,951 |
| 17 years | $12,057 |
| 19 years | $14,164 |
| 21 years | $16,270 |
| 23 years | $18,377 |
| 25 years | $20,483 |
Top Solar Installers in American Canyon
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in American Canyon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in American Canyon
While the average cost of a solar system in American Canyon is $5,848, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in American Canyon. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many American Canyon homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout American Canyon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in American Canyon know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,777 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,342 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,060 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,930 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,954 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,130 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,459 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,941 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's American Canyon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in American Canyon?
The average cost of solar panels in American Canyon is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 consume.
Are solar panels free in American Canyon?
A solar panel system isn't free in American Canyon, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.