Solar Panel Cost Guide in Healdsburg, CA (2024 Update)

  • Healdsburg Solar Installation Cost: $7,496
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,012
  • Payback Period: 7.2 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 Healdsburg

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Healdsburg.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Healdsburg is 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Healdsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $7,496 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Healdsburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,958
3 years $-2,882
5 years $194
7 years $3,269
9 years $6,345
11 years $9,421
13 years $12,497
15 years $15,573
17 years $18,648
19 years $21,724
21 years $24,800
23 years $27,876
25 years $30,952

Top Solar Installers in Healdsburg

Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Healdsburg:

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 Healdsburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Healdsburg

The cost of installing a solar system in Healdsburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

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 Healdsburg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Healdsburg is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 $35,218 7.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $47,346 7.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $59,668 7.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $72,185 7.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $84,895 6.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $97,801 6.8 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $110,900 6.7 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $124,194 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.

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 Healdsburg, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Healdsburg?

The average cost of solar panels in Healdsburg 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 cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase your home 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% after installing solar panels."

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 higher 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.

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