Best 5 Solar Companies in Newark, CA

Newark homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,700 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll showcase Newark's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of Newark solar providers, using the following criteria to select the superior:

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Newark solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Newark community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Newark Homeowners?

California agencies and electric companies offer a range of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Newark

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Consider each of these elements 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, boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Newark

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. 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 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 contractor provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Newark. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Newark solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Newark

Choosing the best financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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 usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for companies 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 Newark.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates 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