5 Best Solar Companies in Fort Bragg, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Fort Bragg based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Fort Bragg, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Fort Bragg homeowner saves $2,707/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Fort Bragg
If you’re a homeowner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Fort Bragg, it can be hard to narrow down which company to choose. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar power is often a great idea. On average, you can save $32,000 over 20 years after installing a solar panel system. And since solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, you can save will be even more than that overall.
To help you search through the large amount of Fort Bragg solar installers, we’ve come up with a list of the top ones.For an idea of how much you would pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Fort Bragg by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Fort Bragg
Mendocino Solar Service
Clear Pricing Policy- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Grid-Tied Solar System- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Radiant Solar Technology, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Dragon Off Grid Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Advance Power
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Upstart Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
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
Although solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on electricity bills over time, it’s important to consider the startup costs.Some significant things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will give you 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 0 of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $32,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- How much power your household needs: If your household uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from going solar.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the Earth.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
For an estimate of both how much you could save and help protect the Earth by installing solar panels, you can try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Fort Bragg, CA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Fort Bragg
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn anywhere from 0 to 50% of your money back after installing solar panels. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Fort Bragg
Installing solar panels is a good way to do your part for a more environmentally-friendly future.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Fort Bragg, though. The more power you use, the the more the environment will benefit when you switch to solar since you won’t have to burn as many fossil fuels.When you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 50 pounds a year. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other perks besides saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Fort Bragg, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar company in Fort Bragg?
In Fort Bragg, Mendocino Solar Service is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 7.2 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how many watts 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.