Best 5 Solar Companies in Covina, CA

Covina homeowners benefit from an average of 191 sunny days per year, making the city a suitable environment for solar energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A professional solar installer can help you install and optimize a system that fits your energy needs without being too expensive. On this page, we'll showcase Covina's leading solar contractors and share valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Covina solar companies.

• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Covina solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Covina community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Covina Homeowners?

California agencies and electric companies offer several solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Covina

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, HVAC, water heaters, pool heaters, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. 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), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Covina

The type of solar panels you choose decides how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Covina and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,350 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Covina

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 power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar leases and solar loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed 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. Look for providers that offer two or more 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 Covina.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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