Best 5 Solar Companies in Lakewood, CA

Lakewood homeowners experience an average of 191 sunny days per year, making the city a suitable environment for solar panels. Many are hiring top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A professional team can help you set up and adjust a system that fits your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll showcase Lakewood's leading solar companies and provide insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Lakewood solar installers, using the following criteria to choose the finest:

• Professional licensure and experience: Each company 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 Lakewood community for more than a decade.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Lakewood solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lakewood Homeowners?

California homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, special financing and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lakewood

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, pool heaters, water heaters, HVAC, 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 earn a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 Lakewood

The style of solar panels you choose dictates how much power you can generate. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Lakewood

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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