Solar Panel Cost Guide in Healdsburg, CA (2023 Update)
- Healdsburg Solar Installation Cost: $5,897
- 25-Year Savings: $20,012
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Healdsburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Healdsburg.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Healdsburg typically cost around 2.73. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Healdsburg, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,905, or $8,444 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Healdsburg based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Healdsburg for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Healdsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,359 |
| 3 years | $-1,284 |
| 5 years | $1,792 |
| 7 years | $4,868 |
| 9 years | $7,944 |
| 11 years | $11,020 |
| 13 years | $14,095 |
| 15 years | $17,171 |
| 17 years | $20,247 |
| 19 years | $23,323 |
| 21 years | $26,398 |
| 23 years | $29,474 |
| 25 years | $32,550 |
Top Solar Installers in Healdsburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Healdsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Healdsburg
For many Healdsburg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Healdsburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Healdsburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Healdsburg, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 Healdsburg to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $38,450 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,573 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,848 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,276 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,857 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,591 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,478 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,518 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Healdsburg, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Healdsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Healdsburg is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.