Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guerneville, CA (2024 Update)
- Guerneville Solar Installation Cost: $7,496
- 25-Year Savings: $20,434
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guerneville
We break down average solar pricing in Guerneville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Guerneville it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Guerneville, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $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 consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $32,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Guerneville find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Guerneville
| 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 Guerneville
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Guerneville, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Guerneville, we've organized 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 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 Guerneville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guerneville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Guerneville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Guerneville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Guerneville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Guerneville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Guerneville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,037 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,438 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,033 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,822 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,806 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $99,984 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,357 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $126,924 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives 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 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 Guerneville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Guerneville?
The average cost of solar panels in Guerneville is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type 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 Guerneville?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Guerneville have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the amount of 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 buy 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.