Solar Panel Cost Guide in American Canyon, CA (2024 Update)

  • American Canyon Solar Installation Cost: $7,422
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,025
  • Payback Period: 7.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 American Canyon

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in American Canyon.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in American Canyon, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average American Canyon homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,422 with the federal tax credit, or $10,613 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $33,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in American Canyon find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in American Canyon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in American Canyon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,884
3 years $-2,809
5 years $267
7 years $3,343
9 years $6,419
11 years $9,495
13 years $12,570
15 years $15,646
17 years $18,722
19 years $21,798
21 years $24,874
23 years $27,949
25 years $31,025

Top Solar Installers in American Canyon

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

See all of the solar companies in American Canyon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in American Canyon

For many American Canyon homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in American Canyon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many American Canyon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for American Canyon homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout American Canyon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $36,545 7.3 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $49,115 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,880 7.0 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,839 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,992 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $101,339 6.6 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $114,881 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $128,617 6.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model 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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

EcoWatch's American Canyon, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in American Canyon?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in American Canyon?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.

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