Solar Panel Cost Guide in Napa, CA (2024 Update)
- Napa 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 Napa
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Napa.
In Napa, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Napa, 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.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Napa based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $33,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Napa find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Napa for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Napa
| 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 Napa
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Napa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Napa
The cost of installing a solar system in Napa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Napa to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Napa homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down 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 choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Napa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Napa know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Napa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Napa?
The average cost of solar panels in Napa is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.