Best 5 Solar Companies in Rohnert Park, CA

Rohnert Park homeowners are committed to conserving resources and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,700 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll showcase Rohnert Park's leading solar companies and provide expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar providers near Rohnert Park, focusing on the following criteria:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Rohnert Park solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and licenses: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Rohnert Park community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and well-being.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Rohnert Park Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Rohnert Park

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Rohnert Park

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.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Rohnert Park homeowners choose solar systems rated 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.

Financing Solar Energy in Rohnert Park

Choosing the ideal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Though it involves 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 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 cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating 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 appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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