Best 5 Solar Companies in El Centro, CA

El Centro 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. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar installer can help you set up and adjust a system that meets your energy needs without being too expensive. In this article, we'll show you El Centro's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of El Centro solar companies, using the following criteria to determine the superior:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider 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 El Centro community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most El Centro solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to El Centro Homeowners?

California agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in El Centro

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Consider all of these elements 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 boilers, pool heaters, water heaters, HVAC, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must take 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 credentials. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 El Centro

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.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in El Centro. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount El Centro solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in El Centro

Choosing the correct financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 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, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and get 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 El Centro.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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