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Best 5 Solar Companies in Mountain View, CA
The best solar company in Mountain View is SunPower.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Mountain View's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for the right provider. In this guide, we'll showcase Mountain View's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your home.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
5 Best Solar Companies in Mountain View
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
SunPower
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
TN Electrical and Solar Services
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Highlight Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Soleeva
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Clean Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Mountain View solar companies.
- Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Mountain View solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
- Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
- Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Mountain View community for more than a decade.
- Service offerings and warranties: 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 happiness.
- Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
Facts about Mountain View
- Average Max Temperature:71°F
- Solar Payback Period:7 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:69%
- Homes Powered by Solar:14,776
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,538
- Solar Power per Capita:94.0%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Smaller power bills: Producing some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Mountain View Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/active-solar-energy-system.htm#Description
Incentive Amount:
100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://wrcog.us/DocumentCenter/View/4469/CPP-V2-2018-FINAL
Incentive Amount:
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.selfgenca.com/
Incentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Website:https://www.ladwp.com/fit
Incentive Amount:
$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/solarwater/index.php
Incentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
Incentive Type:Leasing Program
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/utl/pathway_to_sustainability/solar/water_heating.asp
Incentive Amount:
Single-family residential gas-displacing systems: $18.59 per therm displaced
Single-family residential electricity or propane-displacing systems: $0.54 per kWh displaced
Multifamily and Commercial gas-displacing systems: $14.53 per therm displaced
Multifamily and Commercial electricity or propane-displacing systems: $0.42 per kWh displaced
Low-Income Multifamily gas-displacing systems: $19.23/therm displaced
Low-Income Multifamily Electric or Propane Displacing systems: $0.56/kWh displaced
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Mountain View
The price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Here are some key items to remember while searching for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar pool heaters, water heaters, HVAC, photovoltaic (PV) systems, 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among 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 Mountain View
The type of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.
You can expect to pay about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Mountain View. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Mountain View solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,961.43 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $1,529.91 |
| Thin-Film | $894.41 |
| Solar Battery | $1,255.31 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $4,707.43 |
Financing Solar Energy in Mountain View
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Mountain View.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.4 years |
| 2 kW | 2.7 years |
| 5 kW | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | 13.7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Mountain View
On average, Mountain View homeowners shell out approximately $1,538 per year for energy. Once you pay off your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $1,634.30 per kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Mountain View. A growing number of local homes already access solar power on-site or through utility grids, and California has about 74255 jobs making up its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its size and complexity, as well as Mountain View's permit and inspection procedures. It could take several weeks to a few months on average.
Solar panels don't demand much maintenance to keep working well. All you'll need to do is inspect and clean the panels every six months or as necessary in dusty seasons. Solar installers frequently offer maintenance packages to assist in your system's care.
Most Mountain View homeowners pay back a solar loan in 7.4 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar homeowners for any excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid.
Some states or power companies mandate you to join net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll get a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
A power purchase agreement is an agreement between you and your installer. They install, own, and maintain the panels, and you buy the generated electricity from them for 10–25 years. There will usually be options to buy out early to own your system and extend the agreement.
In contrast, solar loans can come from specialty lenders, installer, local banks and the government. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are more expensive, and you'll be responsible for taking care of the system, you'll also have complete ownership and can apply for many more incentives.
Sources
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