Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Helena, CA (2024 Update)
- St. Helena 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 St. Helena
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in St. Helena.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Helena typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,422 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in St. Helena based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in St. Helena can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in St. Helena that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in St. Helena
| 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 St. Helena
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 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 St. Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Helena
For many St. Helena homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Helena, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,470. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in St. Helena, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in St. Helena, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 companies available in St. Helena, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 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 St. Helena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Helena?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Helena?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Helena?
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 utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.