Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yountville, CA (2023 Update)
- Yountville Solar Installation Cost: $5,848
- 25-Year Savings: $20,483
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Yountville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Yountville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Yountville, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Yountville 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.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Yountville depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Yountville homeowner can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Yountville
| 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 Yountville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Yountville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yountville
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Yountville. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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 Yountville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Yountville know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with 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 project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Yountville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Yountville?
The average cost of solar panels in Yountville 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Yountville is currently $641,214, which means you could be looking at a value of about $26,290 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Yountville is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Yountville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.