Best 5 Solar Companies in Claremont, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Claremont

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. 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 water heaters, pool heaters, HVAC, boilers, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to secure a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 Claremont

Your solar modules' style will influence how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor provides these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

A majority of Claremont homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,350 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Claremont

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best 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 good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying 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) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.