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Best 5 Solar Companies in Colton, CA
The best solar company in Colton is SunPower by Sea Bright Solar.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Colton residents are committed to safeguarding the planet and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A professional team can help you set up and tune a system that matches your energy needs without being too expensive. In this article, we'll showcase Colton's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.
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 Colton
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 Sea Bright Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
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.
Precis Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Burgeson's Heating, A/C , Electrical, Solar & Plumbing
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
We analyzed dozens of Colton solar providers, using the following criteria to determine the best:
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
- Customer feedback and reviews: Most Colton solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
- Certifications and credentials: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Colton community for over 15 years.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
Facts about Colton
- Average Max Temperature:77°F
- Solar Payback Period:8 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:72%
- Homes Powered by Solar:10,092
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,185
- Solar Power per Capita:95.6%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Colton Homeowners?
The state of California offers a range of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.
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 Colton
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Consider each of these elements in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, pool heaters, water heaters, boilers, and HVAC. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn a license. Solar providers can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious 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 Colton
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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 battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.
If you're a resident of Colton and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,350 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,314.29 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $1,025.14 |
| Thin-Film | $599.31 |
| Solar Battery | $841.14 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $3,154.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in Colton
There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just 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 installers that offer two or more 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 Colton.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local 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 Colton
Most Colton homeowners spend about $1,185 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,497.45 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is on the rise in Colton. Some homes already generate solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're fortified by a state solar economy with 74255 workers and counting.
Yes, solar panels will boost your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), for every dollar you reduce on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
Even if you reside in one of Colton's few dark areas, you could still use solar energy. Your provider will maximize your system's performance by choosing the proper site for panels, positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, cleaning them regularly, and installing a battery backup system. This way, you can keep solar energy longer and utilize it as necessary.
A typical Colton solar home uses a 2.9-kW panel array, but you might need a larger system if your energy needs are higher. Solar experts will consider your property's energy consumption and roof shading to suggest the proper system for you.
Most Colton homeowners pay back a solar loan in 8.1 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.
After you sign a power purchase agreement, your solar contractor will not charge to install or maintain your new panel array. Instead, you'll pay them only for the electricity you generate. Typically, PPAs last for 10–25 years or until you "buy out" of the contract.
If you choose a lease, you'll make set payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a contract between you and your provider. They install, own, and maintain the panels, and you purchase the generated electricity from them for 10–25 years. There will usually be options to extend the agreement and buy out early to own your system.
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, installer, specialty lenders and the government. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are more expensive, and you'll be responsible for taking care of the system, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more financial rewards.
Sources
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