Best 5 Solar Companies in Cupertino, CA

With Cupertino's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses aiming to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,600 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Cupertino's best solar companies and learn crucial decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

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

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Cupertino solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Cupertino community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your periodic electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Cupertino Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cupertino

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Here are some key items to remember while searching 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, pool heaters, water heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn a license. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cupertino

The type of solar panels you purchase determines how much energy you can produce. 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 car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Cupertino

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further 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