6 Best Solar Companies in Fort Bragg, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Fort Bragg based on:
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Customer review scores - Service area for Fort Bragg, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Fort Bragg homeowner saves $2,707/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Fort Bragg
If you're a home or business owner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Fort Bragg, it can be challenging to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, the process is worth it since adopting solar energy is typically a good choice. On average, your family can save $32,000 over 20 years by using solar power. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be even more than that overall.
In this article, we'll tell you about the top Fort Bragg solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's clean energy needs. We advise shopping around to get several quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from the best solar panel companies in Fort Bragg, click the link below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Fort Bragg
Mendocino Solar Service
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Free Quotes - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations - Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Radiant Solar Technology, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Real Goods
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Advance Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Upstart Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
The Window Cleaning Specialists, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Fort Bragg
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Fort Bragg based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Fort Bragg
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Fort Bragg
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will first need to pay to install your system. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Your energy consumption: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from switching to solar.
- The model of solar panels you're planning on getting: More efficient panels are more highly priced, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than someone with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $32,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
As a result of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a sound investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Fort Bragg
Switching to solar power has plenty of great benefits. Not only can it help preserve the environment, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 30% of your project costs when you file taxes, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Fort Bragg
There are tons of reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. But — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? The amount of energy you use is a key factor to keep in mind. The more power your home uses, the greater your impact when you switch to solar energy. Since solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Fort Bragg, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Fort Bragg?
In Fort Bragg, Mendocino Solar Service is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 5.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.