Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fortuna, CA (2024 Update)
- Fortuna Solar Installation Cost: $7,877
- 25-Year Savings: $20,134
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fortuna
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fortuna.
In Fortuna, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Fortuna homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,877 with the federal tax credit, or $11,264 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Fortuna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,339 |
| 3 years | $-3,263 |
| 5 years | $-187 |
| 7 years | $2,888 |
| 9 years | $5,964 |
| 11 years | $9,040 |
| 13 years | $12,116 |
| 15 years | $15,192 |
| 17 years | $18,267 |
| 19 years | $21,343 |
| 21 years | $24,419 |
| 23 years | $27,495 |
| 25 years | $30,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Fortuna
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fortuna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fortuna
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fortuna is $7,877, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fortuna have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fortuna homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Fortuna’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $33,561 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,137 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,907 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,871 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,030 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $93,382 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $105,930 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $118,671 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Fortuna, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fortuna?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fortuna?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fortuna, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Fortuna?
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 level 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.