Best 5 Solar Companies in Antelope, CA

Antelope homeowners are committed to protecting the environment and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for an excellent contractor. In this article, we'll show you Antelope's best solar companies and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Antelope solar companies.

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Antelope community for over 15 years.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Antelope solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Antelope Homeowners?

California homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, special financing and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Antelope

The cost and efficiency of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these elements in your business search.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar pool heaters, boilers, HVAC, water heaters, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to secure a license. Solar providers can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Antelope

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar company includes these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Most Antelope homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Antelope

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Antelope.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy