Best 5 Solar Companies in Hawthorne, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hawthorne

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Consider each of these factors 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 pool heaters, HVAC, water heaters, boilers, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Hawthorne

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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider includes these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Hawthorne homeowners opt for solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,350 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Hawthorne

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and loans. We suggest paying with cash or using 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 reduce 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 monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

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

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