Best 5 Solar Companies in Davis, CA

Davis residents are purposeful about safeguarding the planet and living greener lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,700 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Davis' top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar contractors near Davis, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Davis solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Davis community for more than a decade.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Davis Homeowners?

California homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Davis

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that installed them. Consider all of these criteria in your business 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, water heaters, HVAC, boilers, and pool heaters. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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 Davis

Your photovoltaic panels' type will impact how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. 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.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Davis 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 Davis

Choosing the correct financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. We recommend paying with cash or securing 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask 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 Davis.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local 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