Best 5 Solar Companies in Los Banos, CA

Los Banos homeowners are committed to protecting the environment and living sustainably. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. If you're contemplating going solar, you might be anxious about high prices or long payback periods. By partnering with a skilled installer, you'll have both the financial and technical support you need for success. In this guide, we'll show you Los Banos' best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar providers near Los Banos, focusing on the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Los Banos solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Los Banos community for over 15 years.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Los Banos Homeowners?

California agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Los Banos

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, pool heaters, and HVAC. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar companies can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious 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 Los Banos

The kind of solar panels you select determines how much energy 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Los Banos and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,350 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Los Banos

There are a plethora of 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, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set 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. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, 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.

Sources

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