Solar Panel Cost Guide in Napa, CA (Mar 2023)
- Napa Solar Installation Cost: $5,848
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Napa
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Napa.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Napa generally cost around 2.73. The average Napa homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,848 with the federal tax credit, or $8,363 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Napa homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Napa can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Napa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Napa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,794 |
| 3 years | $-2,688 |
| 5 years | $-581 |
| 7 years | $1,525 |
| 9 years | $3,632 |
| 11 years | $5,738 |
| 13 years | $7,844 |
| 15 years | $9,951 |
| 17 years | $12,057 |
| 19 years | $14,164 |
| 21 years | $16,270 |
| 23 years | $18,377 |
| 25 years | $20,483 |
Top Solar Installers in Napa
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Napa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Napa
For many Napa homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Napa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Napa. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Napa to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Napa, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and 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 extra 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
There are many companies available in Napa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate 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
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 Napa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Napa?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Napa?
A solar panel system isn't free in Napa, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Napa have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Napa?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.