Best 5 Solar Companies in Foothill Farms, CA

The Foothill Farms community is intentional about preserving its natural resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people 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. An experienced team can help you set up and tune a system that fulfills your energy needs without being too expensive. On this page, we'll show you Foothill Farms' premier solar companies and share insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar providers near Foothill Farms, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Foothill Farms community for over 15 years.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Foothill Farms solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Lower energy bills: Producing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Foothill Farms Homeowners?

The state of California offers a variety of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Foothill Farms

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider all of these factors in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar HVAC, water heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, pool heaters, and boilers. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to secure a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. 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 Foothill Farms

The kind of solar panels you choose determines how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. 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 vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement 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 offer these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Foothill Farms. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Foothill Farms

Solar providers offer 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), solar leases, solar loans and cash payments. We advise 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 cut 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 pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set 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. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

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