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Best 5 Solar Companies in Altadena, CA
The best solar company in Altadena is SunPower by True Power Solar.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
The Altadena community is purposeful about conserving resources and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable team can help you install and adjust a system that matches your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll showcase Altadena's best solar providers and share expert advice for your solar journey.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
5 Best Solar Companies in Altadena
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
SunPower by True Power Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Altadena Energy & Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
First American Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Altadena solar companies.
- Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Altadena solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Altadena community for a decade or longer.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
- Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
Facts about Altadena
- Average Max Temperature:71°F
- Solar Payback Period:8 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:72%
- Homes Powered by Solar:8,281
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,185
- Solar Power per Capita:82.1%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Altadena Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/active-solar-energy-system.htm#Description
Incentive Amount:
100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://wrcog.us/DocumentCenter/View/4469/CPP-V2-2018-FINAL
Incentive Amount:
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.selfgenca.com/
Incentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Website:https://www.ladwp.com/fit
Incentive Amount:
$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/solarwater/index.php
Incentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Altadena
The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar HVAC, pool heaters, boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and water heaters. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn a license. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Altadena
The style of solar panels you purchase decides how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar providers include these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Altadena and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,350 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,193.93 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $931.26 |
| Thin-Film | $544.43 |
| Solar Battery | $764.11 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,865.43 |
Financing Solar Energy in Altadena
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Altadena.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.4 years |
| 2 kW | 2.7 years |
| 5 kW | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | 13.7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Altadena
Most Altadena homeowners spend about $1,185 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,502.50 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Altadena. Some homes already benefit from solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're backed by a state solar economy with 74255 workers and counting.
Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
To determine your home's solar readiness, there's no substitute for a comprehensive estimate from a local solar installer. However, you can use the PVWatts tool for a simple solar viability estimate based on public data, including system size, local weather and topography, panel efficiency, and tree cover.
Today's solar systems are incredibly durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline panels and other top-tier models tend to work longer than "budget-friendly" models.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its size and complexity, as well as Altadena's permit and inspection procedures. It could take a couple of weeks to a couple of months on average.
Most utilities and states administrate net metering programs, and some require homeowners to join. Once you enroll, you can get a check or bill credit for any surplus electricity you produce and send to the grid. Generally, power companies compensate solar homeowners at a wholesale or "avoided-cost" rate.
Sources
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