Best 5 Solar Companies in Gilroy, CA

The Gilroy community is intentional about conserving resources and living greener lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,800 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll show you Gilroy's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Gilroy solar providers, using the following criteria to select the top-notch:

• Experience and professional licensure: Each installer 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 Gilroy community for a decade or longer.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Gilroy solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Gilroy Homeowners?

California's public agencies and power companies offer several solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Gilroy

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar water heaters, HVAC, boilers, pool heaters, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to secure a license. Solar providers can also pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Gilroy

Your solar modules' type will influence how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Gilroy. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Gilroy

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, leases, 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.

Sources

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