Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Helena, CA (2023 Update)
- St Helena 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 St Helena
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in St Helena.
In St Helena, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,848 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of St Helena 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. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in St Helena
| 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 St Helena
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in St Helena, we've put together 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
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in St Helena: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St Helena average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St Helena to be prohibitively steep, 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 in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 a large number of companies to choose from in St Helena, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 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 $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St Helena?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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 many solar panels do I need to power 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 account for 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.