Solar Panel Cost Guide in Healdsburg, CA (2024 Update)
- Healdsburg Solar Installation Cost: $7,496
- 25-Year Savings: $20,012
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Healdsburg
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Healdsburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Healdsburg, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Healdsburg, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,496, or $10,719 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Healdsburg find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Healdsburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Healdsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,958 |
| 3 years | $-2,882 |
| 5 years | $194 |
| 7 years | $3,269 |
| 9 years | $6,345 |
| 11 years | $9,421 |
| 13 years | $12,497 |
| 15 years | $15,573 |
| 17 years | $18,648 |
| 19 years | $21,724 |
| 21 years | $24,800 |
| 23 years | $27,876 |
| 25 years | $30,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Healdsburg
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Healdsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Healdsburg
For many Healdsburg homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Healdsburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Healdsburg.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Healdsburg, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Healdsburg, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $35,218 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,346 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,668 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,185 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,895 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,801 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,900 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,194 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to 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.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Healdsburg, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Healdsburg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Healdsburg is currently $1,115,583, so you can look forward to a value of about $45,739 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Healdsburg is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Healdsburg?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.