Best 5 Solar Companies in Placentia, CA

Placentia homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar company can help you set up and adjust a system that fulfills your energy needs without costing a fortune. In this article, we'll show you Placentia's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Placentia solar providers, using the following criteria to select the best:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Placentia solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Placentia community for over 15 years.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Placentia Homeowners?

The state of California offers multiple solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Placentia

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Consider all of these aspects in your company search.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, HVAC, 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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Placentia

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Placentia

Choosing the correct financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, cash payments, and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to 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. Talk to each representative about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices 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.

Sources

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