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Best 5 Solar Companies in Fountain Valley, CA
The best solar company in Fountain Valley is SunPower by Sun Solar-OC.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
The Fountain Valley community is committed to protecting the environment and living sustainably. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A skilled solar company can help you install and tune a system that meets your energy needs without breaking the bank. Discover Fountain Valley's best solar companies and learn key decision-making tips on this page.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
5 Best Solar Companies in Fountain Valley
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SunPower by True Power Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Precis Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
REPOWER OC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Fountain Valley solar companies.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
- Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Fountain Valley community for over 15 years.
- Customer feedback and reviews: Most Fountain Valley solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
Facts about Fountain Valley
- Average Max Temperature:70°F
- Solar Payback Period:9 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:71%
- Homes Powered by Solar:10,230
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,185
- Solar Power per Capita:92.4%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Fountain Valley Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/active-solar-energy-system.htm#Description
Incentive Amount:
100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://wrcog.us/DocumentCenter/View/4469/CPP-V2-2018-FINAL
Incentive Amount:
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.selfgenca.com/
Incentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Website:https://www.ladwp.com/fit
Incentive Amount:
$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/solarwater/index.php
Incentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fountain Valley
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Consider each of these criteria in your company 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, pool heaters, HVAC, and boilers. 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 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 Fountain Valley
The kind of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.
A majority of Fountain Valley homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,235.00 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $963.30 |
| Thin-Film | $563.16 |
| Solar Battery | $790.40 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,964.00 |
Financing Solar Energy in Fountain Valley
There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, cash payments, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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, 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. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Fountain Valley.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.4 years |
| 2 kW | 2.7 years |
| 5 kW | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | 13.7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Fountain Valley
On average, Fountain Valley homeowners pay roughly $1,185 per year on electric bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could save $1,301.50 per kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Fountain Valley. A growing number of area homes are already using solar power on-site or through utility grids, and California has about 74255 jobs comprising its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems translate to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
A solar setup could still work in dark areas. Your provider will position your panels to absorb the most sunlight possible. They might also recommend a backup battery to keep your system performing at its best.
Today's solar panels are remarkably durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline options and other top-tier models tend to work longer than "budget-friendly" models.
A typical Fountain Valley solar home has a 2.9-kW panel array, but you might need a smaller system if your energy needs are higher. Solar professionals will evaluate your property's power usage and roof shading to recommend the appropriate system for you.
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar homeowners for any excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid.
Some states or power companies require you to join net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll get a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
The main differences between a power purchase agreement and traditional financing are that you pay a fluctuating monthly rate based on your energy usage and don't own your system. Your solar company installs and maintains the panels, and you pay for the generated electricity for 10–25 years. Afterward, you can continue the contract or purchase the system outright.
You might look into a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
Sources
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