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Best 5 Solar Companies in Pacifica, CA
The best solar company in Pacifica is SunPower.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
The Pacifica community is intentional about preserving its natural resources and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel overwhelmed searching for the right provider. Discover Pacifica's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
5 Best Solar Companies in Pacifica
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.
SunPower
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Owens Electric & Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SolarUnion
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
CivicSolar, Inc
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
GRID Alternatives
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Pacifica, focusing on the following criteria:
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Pacifica solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
- Professional licensure and experience: Each provider 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 Pacifica community for over 15 years.
- Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
Facts about Pacifica
- Average Max Temperature:65°F
- Solar Payback Period:7 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:67%
- Homes Powered by Solar:7,019
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,538
- Solar Power per Capita:91.8%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Pacifica Homeowners?
California homeowners who go solar could qualify for rebates, reimbursements, special financing and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region'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:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.selfgenca.com/
Incentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
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:http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/solarwater/index.php
Incentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
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 Pacifica
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, HVAC, boilers, water heaters, and pool heaters. Contractors must take 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 prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Pacifica
Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
Additional components, 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 all solar companies include these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.
A majority of Pacifica homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,350 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,348.21 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $1,051.61 |
| Thin-Film | $614.79 |
| Solar Battery | $862.86 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $3,235.71 |
Financing Solar Energy in Pacifica
There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, loans, and leases. We advise making a cash payment or securing 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 cut 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 fee to rent your panels, while a PPA 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 particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer multiple 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 Pacifica.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, 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 Pacifica
Most Pacifica homeowners spend about $1,538 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,716.16 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Pacifica. Some homes already generate solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 74255 jobs and counting.
Yes, solar panels will raise your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), for every dollar you save 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.
Even if your property has high tree cover, you could still take advantage of solar energy. Your technician will optimize your system's performance by selecting the proper site for panels, installing a battery backup system, cleaning them regularly, and positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year. This way, you can keep solar energy longer and use it as necessary.
To protect your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually adequate. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every few months. Your installer can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also tackle the cleaning for you.
Most Pacifica homeowners pay back a solar loan in 7.1 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.
Most utilities and states provide net metering programs, and some require homeowners to join. Once you sign up, you can receive a bill credit or check for any surplus electricity you generate and send to the grid. Generally, power companies reimburse solar homeowners at a wholesale or "avoided-cost" rate.
Sources
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