Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brooktrails, CA (2023 Update)
- Brooktrails Solar Installation Cost: $5,947
- 25-Year Savings: $20,384
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brooktrails
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Brooktrails.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Brooktrails is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Brooktrails, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,943, or $8,498 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Brooktrails depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Brooktrails see about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Brooktrails, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brooktrails
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,409 |
| 3 years | $-1,334 |
| 5 years | $1,742 |
| 7 years | $4,818 |
| 9 years | $7,894 |
| 11 years | $10,969 |
| 13 years | $14,045 |
| 15 years | $17,121 |
| 17 years | $20,197 |
| 19 years | $23,273 |
| 21 years | $26,348 |
| 23 years | $29,424 |
| 25 years | $32,500 |
Top Solar Installers in Brooktrails
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Brooktrails:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Brooktrails
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brooktrails
Though the average cost of a solar system in Brooktrails is $5,943, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 around $2,730 per kilowatt in Brooktrails. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Brooktrails homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Brooktrails homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Brooktrails' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,839 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,091 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,495 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,053 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,764 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,627 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,644 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,813 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Brooktrails, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
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 Brooktrails, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brooktrails?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brooktrails?
Solar panels aren't free in Brooktrails, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,692.11 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Brooktrails?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.