Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calistoga, CA (2024 Update)
- Calistoga Solar Installation Cost: $7,422
- 25-Year Savings: $20,492
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calistoga
We go over average solar pricing in Calistoga.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Calistoga it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Calistoga, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,422, or $10,613 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Calistoga homeowner can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calistoga
| 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 Calistoga
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Calistoga:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Calistoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calistoga
There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Calistoga, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Calistoga to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Calistoga, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points 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 come with an above-average cost. 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
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Calistoga, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Calistoga?
The average cost of solar panels in Calistoga is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Calistoga?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Calistoga, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Calistoga?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger amount 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.