Best 5 Solar Companies in Orangevale, CA

Orangevale homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,500 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll showcase Orangevale's most reputable solar installers and give insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar companies near Orangevale, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Orangevale solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Orangevale community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own power 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 Orangevale Homeowners?

The state of California offers a number of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Orangevale

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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, photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, and HVAC. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to secure a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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 Orangevale

Your photovoltaic panels' type will affect how much power 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.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider includes these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Orangevale

Choosing the right financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, cash payments, and leases. We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best 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 solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in 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 advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities 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