Best 5 Solar Companies in Livermore, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Livermore

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some essential aspects to consider 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 pool heaters, boilers, HVAC, water heaters, 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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 Livermore

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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 want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Livermore. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Livermore

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires 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 second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.