Go Green: 6 Tips For Finding The Best Solar Companies In California
Finding the best solar companies in California shouldnt feel stressful. Instead, use these tips to streamline your search. With these tips, you can find the best solar companies and start reaping the benefits of going solar.
You can feel confident knowing the best solar panel company is installing your system.
Eager to go solar? Were here to help.
Pros And Cons Of Tesla
| Pros | |
|---|---|
| Provides online solar panel quotes | Offers leasing in only six states |
| Provides customers with 24/7 solar panel monitoring through the Tesla mobile app | Doesnt provide installation services to all zip codes nationwide |
| Protects solar panels with a 25-year performance guarantee | – |
Tesla manufactures and installs its own solar panels for customers nationwide. Teslas low-profile panels with no visible solar cells blend into your roofs current design to create a modern solar system. If interested in Tesla solar panels, the company offers online solar panel estimates in under a minute based on your home address and average monthly electric bill.
Along with its solar panel offerings, Tesla gives customers a solar storage option through its Tesla Powerwall battery. For customers interested in the latest technology, Tesla provides an alternative to solar panels with its Solar Roof, which replaces your current roof with tiles that generate solar energy.
If youre considering solar panels from Tesla, we recommend using our comparison tool to find local quotes and incentives.
The Top 3 Solar Manufacturers
Currently the top 3 solar manufacturers in the world are JinkoSolar, JA Solar, and Trina Solar based on market share among panel manufacturing companies. The biggest solar installation companies in the U.S. are Sunrun and Tesla.
There were some major changes over the past few years, including some new leaders in solar manufacturing who were once no names in the PV industry. JA Solar is grabbing market share with a passion while Hanwha Q CELLS has slumped. The question for you as a solar shopper: should you care if your solar panels are made by one of the big 10 manufacturers in the world? Are American made solar panels truly the better product when the majority of manufacturers are located elsewhere? Heres our breakdown of the best solar manufacturers around the globe.
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How Much Does Solar Cost
The actual cost of solar panels for a home or small business varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including system size and design, location, and available incentives. The best way to determine exactly how much it would cost you to go solar is to obtain solar quotes from the companies that youd like to work with.
Why Is Solarreviews The Best Place To Compare Solar Panel Companies
The solar installation company you choose is one of the most important decisions you will make when going solar. While you can expect very little to go wrong, you will require support from them in one form or another at some point over the systems 25-30 year lifespan. Unfortunately, many homeowners have installed solar with companies that have either gone out of business or offer very poor after-sales support. Solar companies typically wont service other companies jobs, making these individuals what is known in the industry as solar orphans. SolarReviews exists to help you find the best, most reputable solar installers in your part of California and to ensure you become a happy solar system owner.
Unbiased Reviews
No company can pay to alter the reviews or review scores shown on our site. Some companies pay us a small, fixed referral fee if you request a quote but we never earn any commission from sales. Any editorial content is not influenced by financial relationships.
Our CEO gives his thoughts on what criteria you should use to select your solar company
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Can The World Run On Solar Power
If the world transitioned out of fossil fuels, could we generate the energy needed to power the world on 100 percent renewable energy? According to a new report by LUT University in Finland and Energy Watch Group, a German nonprofit, the answer is yes. Together, they will make up 88 percent of the total energy supply.
Pros And Cons Of Vivint Solar
| Pros | |
|---|---|
| Offers a 25-year linear performance warranty for Solar Purchase and Lease customers | Doesnt offer a power warranty to Solar Purchase and Lease customers |
| Provides four solar financing options to customers | Isnt available nationwide |
| Partners with LG to provide customers with a solar battery option | – |
Vivint Solar provides customers with a straightforward process of owning or leasing solar panels. Vivint follows a detailed, five-step installation process that handles all aspects of your new solar energy system, including permitting and inspections. With four purchasing plans, Vivint makes solar panels affordable and accessible to a variety of homeowners.
Vivint partners with LG to offer customers the LG Chem, a compact battery storage device thats installed in a garage or covered area to provide solar energy on demand. The battery connects directly to your system and stores excess solar energy for use during a power outage or at night.
If youre looking to work with Vivint Solar, we recommend getting quotes from a variety of providers. Use this tool to get matched up with solar energy providers in your area.
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Which Are The Best Solar Providers Near Me
Consumers should look for a solar company with a solid track record, financial stability, high quality equipment, great warranties, a good reputation, and positive reviews. We’ve ranked and reviewed hundreds of solar power companies from across the United States and gathered thousands of solar reviews from consumers to help you find the best solar companies in your area. We recommend obtaining solar quotes from a variety of companies in order to find the right rooftop solar contractor for your needs.
Our List Of The 7 Best Solar Companies In California For 2021
It isnt easy deciding which solar energy company is the best for your project. We help make the process easier with our list of the 7 best solar companies in California.
California is a hot place, and as the sun shines on your roof, you may be wondering if solar panels are worth the investment. There are many benefits to installing solar panels, plus California has some of the best solar companies!
In this article, well take a look at excellent solar companies that can help you get started with your installation today. Interested? Read more below!
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Which California Solar Companies Should You Choose
Here is a summary of the top ten solar companies in California that we will review in this article. For more information on each of these companies, keep on reading:
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, EV chargers, solar roofs
- Warranty: 25-year panel performance warranty, 10-year comprehensive warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
- Notes from Expert: Tesla offers some of the most advanced and aesthetically pleasing solar technology on the market. The downside is that the work is outsourced, and customers have long wait times when reaching out with service and warranty questions.
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, EV chargers, HVAC, efficiency upgrades
- Warranty: 25-year equipment warranty, 10-year roof warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease/PPA
- Notes from Expert: With more than 80 years of experience, their highly trained team of electricians offers more than just solar, with services including HVAC, electrical upgrades, and plans to keep your home powered as renewably and efficiently as possible. The downside of the company is its limited-service area.
Pros And Cons Of Having Professional Companies Install Your Solar Panels
With so many reasons to go solar, now is the time to make the switch. However, you should also know that one of the most critical parts of the process is deciding who to hire. We have listed some pros and cons of picking a solar installation company versus DIY solar install.
PROS
CONS
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Best And Worst Yelp Reviews Of The Top 5 Us Solar Installers
A look at customer ratings of SolarCity, Verengo Solar, Vivint Solar, REC Solar and Sungevity
Contributing Editor Greentech Media
Best and Worst Yelp Reviews of the Top 5 US Solar Installers
The solar industry term “customer acquisition” is a euphemism for “convincing people to spend money.”
The top solar installers have tens of thousands of potential customers who have expressed interest in solar. But turning those leads into purchases can be tough.
As GTM solar analyst Nicole Litvak pointed out in her recent report on customer acquisition, it can cost solar companies $0.49 a watt to close a residential sale. That adds up to $3,000 for a 6-kilowatt home system — 10 percent of the total cost.
Reducing those costs means crafting better management software and more attractive financing options, as well as finding new retail outlets via which to reach consumers. But getting customers to actually sign a contract requires traditional sales tactics like door-to-door visits, phone calls and advertising.
It’s not like solar executives are acting like Alec Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross, but these tactics inevitably make some people feel uneasy.
Anecdotally, I’ve talked with a handful of people over the years who say they felt overly pressured by salespeople in the solar industry. I’ve heard far more positive reviews about the installation process than negative however, it’s clear that hard sales tactics are the uncomfortable reality of “customer acquisition.”
Calculate The Payback Period
Unless you have money to spare, it makes no financial sense to spend thousands of dollars on something that will not provide a benefit to you. When you buy a house, youre making an investment in your future as well as acquiring stability. But before proceeding with other types of big-ticket purchases like solar panels, you need to first consider how long it will take to recoup that investment. Thats the payback period, and you should figure it out before agreeing to anything else.
In simple terms, the payback period is how much time it takes for the savings to match the costs. These vary by state, but the range is between 6 and 12 years.
You need to calculate the total cost for the system, the amount of energy you use, the cost of electricity in your area, the rebates and incentives , and the solar production of your system.
Leon advises customers to proceed carefully, get several bids from reputable installers, get recommendations from friends or others and really look at the numbers carefully. Looking at the numbers is the key part, because it will tell you the impact installing a solar energy system can have on your finances. It can be a good or bad financial decision, he said, it all has to do with the deal and analyzing it. This goes for your short- and long-term goals for the system.
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How Do I Choose A Solar Company To Invest In
There are a couple of ways to find the best solar company to invest in. First, you can try to hire a financial advisor as it’s their job to find the best opportunities and invest on your behalf. Otherwise, you can watch the solar company’s trends in earnings growth and make the call yourself.
Other methods include keeping an eye on the price-to-earnings ratio, which measures how well a stock is doing relative to the business’ earnings.
Currently, SunPower may be one of the best solar system companies to invest in, due to its rapid growth.
Your investments may vary, and the stock market can be volatile, so its up to indivdual investors to get advice and research a company before buying a stock.
What Kind Of Maintenance Do Solar Panels Require
Generally, solar panels require little to no maintenance on your part. Unless you live in an area that is particularly smoggy or dusty, proactive panel cleaning isnt really necessary. Having to brush snow off your panels shouldnt be an issue either, as snow will quickly melt or fall off of panels that are mounted at an angle higher than 15 degrees.
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Solar Panel Cost In California
Prices of solar in California have fallen 47 percent over the last 5 years, and as of 2018, the average price per watt for a solar energy system in the Golden State is $3.75. For a 5 kW system and solar installation, this comes out to an average cost of about $18,750 before the 26 percent federal solar tax credit or any local incentives are applied. After incentives are applied, upfront costs drop to about $13,000.
In terms of price per kWh for energy used, those with solar panels will pay only $0.08 per kWh. This is incredibly low compared to the average price of electricity from the utility, which is currently more than $0.19 per kWh. Over the next 25 years, the price per kWh for energy from the grid is expected to increase to $0.42 per kWh, more than doubling the current rates, which will only lead to increased savings on energy bills for solar owners.
Considering this, as well as inflation and financial benefits from available incentives, the average home or business owner in California who purchases a solar energy system could reasonably expect to recoup their solar investment in a payback period of just over 7 years. After that, they will essentially be able to use the energy production from their solar panels to power their house or office building for free or for a very low rate.
In fact, over the life of the solar energy system, a California resident could expect to save nearly $35,000.
Are You Searching For The Best Solar Companies Near Me
As of December 31st, 2020, Forme Solar has been recognized across multiple different platforms.
#1 Long Beach Solar Contractors Fresh Chalk
#4 Los Angeles Solar Contractors Fresh Chalk
#5 Solar Installers in CA in SolarReviews
#7 Best Solar Company in California Best Company
Elite Solar Installation Company EnergySage
Top 100 Solar Installers SolarReviews
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Petersendean: Best General Contractor
Quick Look: 10,000 installations, founded in 1984, installs solar, roofing, HVAC, and fencing
If youve got multiple home projects you need to take care of, take a look at PetersenDean before any others. This company can install your PV solar system, give you a new roof, replace your HVAC system, and even fix up your fencing.
With so many options, you might think theyre like those restaurants with 100-page menus: They can do it all, but they cant do anything well. But since their founding in 1984, theyve installed 10,000 solar systems and homeowners report their customer service both before and after the installation is top-notch. However, to be fair we should note that there are a few more poor reviews than the companies above. But their reviews are still miles better than all the big-box installers and the BBB gives them an A+ rating.
PetersenDean is actually one of the largest companies on our list, installing solar throughout California as well as Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas.
Do Your Research And Take Action
The solar industry is a booming one, and its wise to take the time to research before making your decision. Our list of The 7 Best Solar Companies In California for 2021 will help you find the company that best suits your needs. Contact them today! And while youre at it, dont forget to check out our blog post on How To Pick The Best Solar Company too. Itll make your search much easier we promise!
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Top California Solar Contractors
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This is the 2020 list of Top Solar Contractors completing work in California. The kilowatts listed as being installed in the state reflect only kilowatts installed in California in 2019. Companies listed on this state list could be headquartered in other states, participate in any market and provide any installation service .
The listed kilowatts installed by each company in California could come from installations in all markets but only within California state lines.
The companies below are a segmented portion of the overall 2020 Top Solar Contractors list, organized by kilowatts installed in 2019.
For more information on Solar Power Worlds annual Top Solar Contractors list and additional sublists, visit our Top Solar Contractors landing page.
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