Solar Panel Cost Guide in Healdsburg, CA (Feb 2023)
- Healdsburg Solar Installation Cost: $5,905
- 25-Year Savings: $20,005
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Healdsburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Healdsburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Healdsburg it's $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Healdsburg is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,905 for a solar installation, or $4,370 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Healdsburg see about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Healdsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,869 |
| 3 years | $-2,796 |
| 5 years | $-723 |
| 7 years | $1,350 |
| 9 years | $3,423 |
| 11 years | $5,495 |
| 13 years | $7,568 |
| 15 years | $9,641 |
| 17 years | $11,714 |
| 19 years | $13,786 |
| 21 years | $15,859 |
| 23 years | $17,932 |
| 25 years | $20,005 |
Top Solar Installers in Healdsburg
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Healdsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Healdsburg
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Healdsburg. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Healdsburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Healdsburg to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Healdsburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Healdsburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Healdsburg, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Healdsburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Healdsburg have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Healdsburg?
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.