Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brooktrails, CA (2024 Update)

  • Brooktrails Solar Installation Cost: $7,560
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,384
  • Payback Period: 7.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brooktrails

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Brooktrails.

The average cost of solar panels in Brooktrails is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Brooktrails is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,560 for a solar installation, or $10,811 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brooktrails homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Brooktrails

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-6,022
3 years $-2,946
5 years $130
7 years $3,206
9 years $6,282
11 years $9,357
13 years $12,433
15 years $15,509
17 years $18,585
19 years $21,661
21 years $24,736
23 years $27,812
25 years $30,888

Top Solar Installers in Brooktrails

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Brooktrails

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brooktrails

There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Brooktrails.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Brooktrails, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Brooktrails, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

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 $35,606 7.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $47,864 7.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $60,315 7.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $72,961 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $85,802 6.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $98,837 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $112,066 6.6 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $125,489 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Brooktrails, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brooktrails?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Brooktrails?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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