Best 5 Solar Companies in Novato, CA

Novato homeowners are purposeful about safeguarding the planet and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for a good contractor. Discover Novato's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar companies near Novato, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Novato solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Novato community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own energy 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 extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Novato Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Novato

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. 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 water heaters, pool heaters, boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Novato

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.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar companies offer these additional features, so look for a company that sells 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 Novato. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Novato solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Novato

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy