We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.
Best 5 Solar Companies in North Highlands, CA
The best solar company in North Highlands is Sunrun Solar.
Get matched with a top local pro
Join the 10,601 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days
- Fact Checked
Fact checked by one of our trusted team members.
- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
North Highlands homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. Solar installers take a uniquely educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and customize it to their requirements. In this article, we'll highlight North Highlands' best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.
5 Best Solar Companies in North Highlands
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.
Sunrun Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Sunrise Energy Solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SUPERIOR SOLAR, INC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Cali Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
We analyzed dozens of North Highlands solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the finest:
- Feedback and reviews from customers: Most North Highlands solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the North Highlands community for a decade or longer.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
- Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
Facts about North Highlands
- Average Max Temperature:75°F
- Solar Payback Period:9 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:67%
- Homes Powered by Solar:8,800
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,084
- Solar Power per Capita:36.6%
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, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to North Highlands Homeowners?
California homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, tax credits and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.
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: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:https://www.smud.org/en/residential/environment/solar-for-your-home/financing-options.htm
Incentive Amount:
$300
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 North Highlands
The price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, pool heaters, water heaters, HVAC, 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 licensure. Solar installers can also earn certifications 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 North Highlands
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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 accessories, 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 all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
You can expect to pay about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in North Highlands. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much North Highlands solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,224.29 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $954.94 |
Thin-Film | $558.27 |
Solar Battery | $783.54 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,938.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in North Highlands
Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or using 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 reduce 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 pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in North Highlands.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, 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 North Highlands
On average, North Highlands homeowners spend roughly $1,084 per year on power bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could save $1,334.57 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in North Highlands. Some homes already benefit from solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're backed by a state solar economy with 74255 job opportunities and counting.
Yes, solar panels will increase your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you reduce on energy bills, your home value increases by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
Today's solar panels are incredibly durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline panels and other top-tier models tend to last longer than "budget-friendly" models.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its size and complexity, as well as North Highlands' permit and inspection procedures. It could take two weeks to two months on average.
A typical North Highlands solar home has a 3.1-kW panel array, but you might need a bigger system if your energy needs are more demanding. Solar professionals will consider your property's power usage and roof shading to determine the appropriate system for you.
To enhance your solar system's performance, you can try the following steps:
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is an agreement between you and your contractor. They set up, own, and care for the panels, and you buy the generated electricity from them for 10–25 years. There will usually be options to extend the agreement and buy out early to own your system.
In contrast, solar loans can come from installer, specialty lenders, local banks and the government. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are higher, and you'll be responsible for taking care of the system, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more incentives.
Sources
Explore Useful Articles On Solar
How Do Solar Panels Work? (2024)
Tamara Jude-December 19, 2023
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? (2024 Guide)
Tamara Jude-December 19, 2023
Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (2024 Guide)
Tamara Jude-December 19, 2023
Types of Solar Panels (2024 Guide)
January 31, 2024
What Are the Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy?
Tamara Jude-December 18, 2023