Best 5 Solar Companies in National City, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in National City

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Consider each of these factors in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar pool heaters, HVAC, water heaters, boilers, 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 a license. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The top 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 National City

Your solar panels' model will impact how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in National City. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much National City solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in National City

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, solar loans and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.