Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Bragg, CA (2024 Update)
- Fort Bragg Solar Installation Cost: $7,560
- 25-Year Savings: $20,384
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Bragg
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fort Bragg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Bragg, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,560 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Bragg find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Fort Bragg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Bragg
| 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 Fort Bragg
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fort Bragg, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Fort Bragg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Bragg
For many Fort Bragg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Bragg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system 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 mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fort Bragg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Bragg have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Fort Bragg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fort Bragg have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Bragg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Bragg?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Bragg is currently $555,028, so you can look forward to a value of about $22,756 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Bragg is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Bragg?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.