Solar Panel Cost Guide in Napa, CA (2023 Update)
- Napa Solar Installation Cost: $5,839
- 25-Year Savings: $20,492
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Napa
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Napa.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Napa generally cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Napa is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,848 for a solar installation, or $8,363 before the 30% federal solar tax credit 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 use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Napa homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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 Napa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,302 |
| 3 years | $-1,226 |
| 5 years | $1,850 |
| 7 years | $4,926 |
| 9 years | $8,002 |
| 11 years | $11,077 |
| 13 years | $14,153 |
| 15 years | $17,229 |
| 17 years | $20,305 |
| 19 years | $23,381 |
| 21 years | $26,456 |
| 23 years | $29,532 |
| 25 years | $32,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Napa
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Napa, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Napa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Napa
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Napa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Napa average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Napa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $39,777 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,342 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,060 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,930 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,954 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,130 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,459 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,941 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Napa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Napa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Napa is currently $643,975, so you could be looking at a value of about $26,403 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Napa is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.