Best 5 Solar Companies in Glendale, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Glendale

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. 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 water heaters, HVAC, boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and pool heaters. 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale

The type of solar panels you purchase determines how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, so look for a company that installs 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 Glendale. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Glendale solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Glendale

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and solar leases. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best 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 monthly 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 rent your panels for a fixed 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 provider you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.