Best 5 Solar Companies in Madera, CA

With Madera's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel overwhelmed searching for an excellent installer. Discover Madera's best solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar contractors near Madera, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Madera community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Madera solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Madera Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Madera

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the solar company that mounted them. Consider all 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 water heaters, HVAC, photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, and pool heaters. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to secure a license. Solar companies can also earn 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 Madera

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.

Additional system add-ons, 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 every solar company provides these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Madera

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 own 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 let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin 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. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential 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