Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Bragg, CA (2025 Update)
- Fort Bragg Solar Installation Cost: $7,560
- 25-Year Savings: $20,384
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Bragg
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fort Bragg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Bragg it’s 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Fort Bragg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Bragg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fort Bragg is $7,560, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Fort Bragg, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Bragg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Bragg?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Fort Bragg?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.