Best 5 Solar Companies in Carmichael, CA

The Carmichael community is intentional about safeguarding the planet and living sustainably. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel overwhelmed searching for a top-notch contractor. Discover Carmichael's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Carmichael solar companies.

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Carmichael solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Certifications and credentials: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Carmichael community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Carmichael Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Carmichael

The price and performance of solar panels often rely on the provider that installed them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, water heaters, HVAC, and pool heaters. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn licensure. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Carmichael

The kind of solar panels you choose dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Carmichael and want 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.

Financing Solar Energy in Carmichael

Solar contractors 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, cash payments, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

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