Best 5 Solar Companies in Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto residents are intentional about preserving its natural resources and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. Solar contractors take a distinctively educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and tune it to their requirements. Discover Palo Alto's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Palo Alto solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the top-notch:

• Warranty and service offerings: 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.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Palo Alto solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. 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 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 Palo Alto community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• 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 offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Palo Alto Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Palo Alto

The more informed your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Consider each of these factors in your business search.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar HVAC, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, boilers, and pool heaters. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar providers can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Palo Alto

Your photovoltaic panels' model will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. 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 accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

A majority of Palo Alto homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,350 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Palo Alto

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $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, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

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. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, 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