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Best 5 Solar Companies in Pittsburg, CA
The best solar company in Pittsburg is SunPower.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Pittsburg homeowners are intentional about preserving its natural resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. 13,408 homes in the area already use a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Skilled installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to jump on the solar revolution with confidence. On this page, we'll showcase Pittsburg's top solar providers and share expert advice for your solar journey.
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 Pittsburg
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.
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...Got Watts?
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Green Air and Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Pittsburg, keeping in mind the following criteria:
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Pittsburg solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize 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 Pittsburg community for a decade or longer.
Facts about Pittsburg
- Average Max Temperature:71°F
- Solar Payback Period:7 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:68%
- Homes Powered by Solar:13,408
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,538
- Solar Power per Capita:97.4%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Pittsburg Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Pittsburg
The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar installer.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar pool heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, boilers, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn a license. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsburg
Your solar panels' type will impact how much energy 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
Additional accessories, 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 provide these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Most Pittsburg homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,321.79 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $1,030.99 |
| Thin-Film | $602.73 |
| Solar Battery | $845.94 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $3,172.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in Pittsburg
Choosing the best financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. We suggest paying with cash 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 minimize 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. 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 generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Pittsburg.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.
| 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 Pittsburg
Most Pittsburg homeowners spend about $1,538 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,729.84 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Pittsburg. A growing number of area homes already access solar power on-site or through utility grids, and California has about 74255 jobs making up its solar economy.
Yes, a solar PV system will increase your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 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.
There's no universal answer for how long a solar project might take. Ultimately, it depends on the permitting and inspection process, panel style, system size, local weather, and the necessary prework. Many homeowners can be solar-ready within a couple of months from their initial estimate visit.
To protect your solar system's performance, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually sufficient. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every few months. Your installer can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also do the cleaning for you.
A typical Pittsburg solar home uses a 3.0-kW panel array, but you might need a larger system if your energy needs are higher. Solar professionals will evaluate your property's energy consumption and roof shading to determine the proper system for you.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is an agreement between you and your provider. They install, own, and maintain 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 specialty lenders, the government, local banks and installer. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are larger, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more financial rewards.
Sources
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