Going Solar in Napa County, CA
Installing Solar Panels in Napa County, California: Costs & More
- Average cost of installing solar panels in Napa County, CA is between $2.80 to $5 per watt, depending on various factors.
- Residents can save on solar panels by taking advantage of rebate programs like the Federal Solar Tax Credit.
- Solar panels do not affect property taxes in Napa County due to the California Active Solar Energy System Exclusion policy.
- Solar panels in Napa County typically pay for themselves in about 6 years.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Napa County, CA?
As of 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels in Napa county ranges from $2.80 to $5 per watt. However, this price varies depending on several factors, including energy system size, type of solar panel, and numbers purchased.
Residents can save cost on solar panels by taking advantage of rebate programs or opting for used solar panels in Napa County. A popular rebate for solar panels in California is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. Homeowners and businesses can enjoy 30% off solar panel installation with the Federal Solar Tax Credit.
Below is the breakdown of how much solar installations might cost based on energy system size:
| Energy System Size | Solar Panel Cost | Cost After Credit |
| 3 kW | $7,200 - $8,580 | $4,970 - $6,416 |
| 4 kW | $9,600 - $11,440 | $6,630 - $8,554 |
| 5 kW | $12,000 - 14,300 | $8,280 - $10,693 |
| 6 kW | $14,400 - $17,160 | $9,540 - $12,832 |
| 7 kW | $16,800 - $20,020 | $11,600 - $14,970 |
| 8 kW | $18,200 - $22,880 | $12,250 - $$17,109 |
| 9 kW | $21,600 - $25,740 | $14,910 -$19,247 |
| 10 kW | $24,000 - $28,600 | $16,560 - $21,386 |
Below is the breakdown of how much solar installations might cost based on the type of panel and wattage rating:
| Average Cost Breakdown for Solar Installation in Napa County | |
| Cost Per Watt | |
| Monocrystalline Solar Panels | $1 - $1.50 per watt |
| Polycrystalline Solar Panels | $0.90 - $1 per watt |
| Thin Film Solar Panels | $1 - $1.50 per watt |
| Other Costs | |
| Solar Batteries | $.20 - $.35 per watt |
| Cost of Racking | $.25 - $.50 per watt. |
| Installation and soft Costs | $2.50 - $4.50 per watt |
Are Solar Panels Exempt from Property Taxes in Napa County?
Yes, solar panels for homes in Napa County, California, can be installed without worrying about the possibility of them affecting property taxes. Typically, installing a solar panel does not increase or decrease an existing property’s assessment due to the California Active Solar Energy System Exclusion policy. Therefore, property owners’ taxes remain the same after solar panel installations.
Interested persons can find property records online or in person at the Nepa County Assessor’s Office. The Office has an Assessor Parcel Data tool requesters can use to retrieve property information. A search can be done by fee parcel, assessment, or street address. Search results typically reveal comprehensive information about the property, roll values, and the property’s physical characteristics.
Alternatively, record seekers can visit the Nepa County Assessor’s Office during business hours to conduct property record lookups. In-person requests can be made at:
Nepa County Assessor’s Office
1127 First Street
Suite A
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 253-4467
Fax: (707) 253-6171
Email: assessor@countyofnapa.org
How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for themselves in Napa County?
It takes about 6 years for solar panels to pay for themselves in Napa County. This payback period typically depends on several factors, including the system cost and the amount of power it generates. Generally, California solar panels generating more energy will have a faster payback period than those with less energy.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Solar Installer in Napa County?
Yes, property owners should have their solar panels installed by professionals, as the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recommends. Before hiring a handyman or solar installer, ensure they possess a valid California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license. Typically, a legit handyman or Napa County solar panel installer will have one or more of the following CSLB-issued licenses:
- "A" – General Engineering contractors: They install solar energy systems while working on engineering projects.
- "B" – General Building contractors: They install solar energy systems while working on building projects.
- C-4 – Boiler, Hot-Water Heating, and Steam Fitting contractors: They install, maintain, and repair solar heating equipment associated with boiler, hot water heating, and seam fitting systems.
- C-10 – Electrical contractors: They specialize in solar panel projects requiring electrical energy.
- C-36 – Plumbing contractors: They install and maintain renewable energy systems that run solar-powered hot water to a suitable temperature.
- C-46 – Solar contractors: They assemble, set up, repair, and maintain thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems.
- C-53 – Swimming Pool contractors: They handle solar heating in swimming pool projects.
Hiring a licensed handyman or solar installer to handle solar panel installations helps to minimize scams and shoddy workmanship. Napa County residents should contact CSLB at (800) 321-2752 or utilize the Check a License to verify the license status of professionals before hiring them.
How can I Sell Solar Energy in Napa County?
Solar owners in Napa County can sell solar energy through net metering (NEM). This involves giving the electrical grid excess energy in exchange for bill credits.
Bill credits help solar panel owners save money on electricity costs. Since the launch of net energy metering, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has initiated three NEM policies in Napa County:
- NEM 1.0 (created in 1996)
- NEM 2.0 (created in 2016)
- NEM 3.0 (created in 2022)
Customers selling solar energy under NEM 2.0 pay a one-time interconnection fee. Individuals with solar systems under 1 MW will pay between $94 and $145. The interconnection fee for systems over 1 MW costs $800.
Additionally, customers pay non-bypassable fees and take service on TOU rates. Per D.14-03-041, individuals can remain on the NEM 2.0 tariff for 20 years from when they are interconnected or switch to NEM 3.0..
NetMetering 3.0
NEM 3.0 is a new version of the net energy metering policy introduced by the CPUC. All the benefits NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0 customers enjoy have been grandfathered into this new system for 20 years.
The major difference between NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0 is the value of export rates. The export rates of NEM 3.0 is 75% lower than that of NEM 2.0. This means that customers will enjoy more extended payback periods and fewer cost savings.
Under NEM 2.0, solar payback periods are between 5 and 6 years but are about 9 to 10 years in NEM 3.0. Also, the NEM 3.0 cost saving is 60% less than NEM 2.0.
NEM 3.0 excludes solar taxes and has an average net export rate of 7.5 cents/kWh. Customers can enjoy reductions in rates if they are eligible for export credit adders. This allows people who apply for NEM 3.0 before the end of 2027 to enjoy higher export credits locked in for nine years. This adder will reduce by 20% annually until the end of the five years.
Are Tesla Solar Panels Available in Napa County, California?
Yes, Tesla solar panels are available in Napa County. Tesla is popular among residential and commercial property owners because of its sleek and durable design, powerwall, and 24/7 energy monitoring. Tesla solar panels cost estimate can be done using the Solar Roof calculator available on the company’s website. The calculation is based on the property owner or renter’s current electricity usage and home size. Before making purchase decisions, ensure to read the Tesla solar panels review on online review sites. This helps to know other people’s experiences of using Tesla solar panels. After purchase, hire a local tesla certified installer to install the solar panel. Working with a local tesla certified installer makes one eligible for a product warranty. There is also a guarantee that the installation will comply with the California Building Code (CBC).
How to Find Solar Companies Near Me in Napa County, California?
The question, “how to find Napa solar companies near me?” typically comes up when Napa County residents are looking for professionals to install their solar panels.
The first thing to do would be to type "Napa solar companies near me" on google. Make a list of solar companies to research based on the search results. Alternatively, individuals can get recommendations for solar panel companies from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and local professionals like electricians and plumbers. Individuals who want to settle for the best solar companies near their localities should consider the following:
Certifications and Licensing
Always opt for a solar provider certified and licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Before hiring a solar installer, always ask for their license. Individuals can also call CSLB or use their online license tool to check if the professional is licensed.
Online Customer Reviews
After making a list of certified and licensed solar providers, check the online reviews of each company. Typically, customer reviews can be found on third-party review sites. Read through people's comments on each solar provider to understand their performance. Gauge the providers’ workmanship, work ethics, customer service, expertise, financing experiences, warranties, and refund policies. A property owner or renter can request to speak with customers who have hired a solar provider in the past to get more information about the provider. Then narrow the list to solar panel providers with good reviews.
Solar Panels, Equipment, and Finance Offerings
Review the selected solar companies' websites to know the specific types of solar panels they provide. Also, check their financing options. Doing this helps to narrow the list to licensed providers with the necessary equipment and financing options.
Get multiple quotes
The next step is to compare quotes from at least three solar panel companies. Getting estimates from at least three providers can help determine the average cost of the installation. Doing this also protects individuals from possible scammers and fraudulent solar panel companies. Compare the solar panel companies for pricing, warranty, equipment quality, and production capacity.
Napa County Profile
In 2021, about 136,207 residents occupied over 55,300 housing units in Napa County. Approximately 65.5% of these housing units were owner-occupied, and 34.5% were renter-occupied. The median value of these owner-occupied housing units was $685,500, and the median gross rent was $1,880. That same year, there were 48,745 households in Napa County, with an average of 2.77 persons per household. About 89.1% of these people lived in the same house they resided in as of 2020.
Property owners spent about $2,876 on monthly median selected housing expenses, including utilities, taxes, insurance, and mortgage. Those who did not pay their mortgages spent $743 medianly. With increased construction and renovations in Napa County, the Building Division issued about 1,204 building permits in 2021.
