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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Helena find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in St. Helena for a customized quote.
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
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
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 rests 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 several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in St. Helena, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, 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 St. Helena to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in 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 reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. St. Helena’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total 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 generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 numerous companies available in St. Helena, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's St. Helena, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Helena?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Helena 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Helena?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
Does St. Helena have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.