Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Bragg, CA (2023 Update)
- Fort Bragg Solar Installation Cost: $5,943
- 25-Year Savings: $20,388
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Bragg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fort Bragg.
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Bragg is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,943 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fort Bragg can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Fort Bragg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Bragg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,890 |
| 3 years | $-2,783 |
| 5 years | $-677 |
| 7 years | $1,429 |
| 9 years | $3,536 |
| 11 years | $5,642 |
| 13 years | $7,749 |
| 15 years | $9,855 |
| 17 years | $11,962 |
| 19 years | $14,068 |
| 21 years | $16,175 |
| 23 years | $18,281 |
| 25 years | $20,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Bragg
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Fort Bragg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Bragg
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Bragg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Fort Bragg, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fort Bragg, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fort Bragg, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fort Bragg, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Bragg?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Bragg is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Bragg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.