Best 5 Solar Companies in San Leandro, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in San Leandro

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar HVAC, pool heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, and boilers. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, 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 credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in San Leandro

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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 electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor provides these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of San Leandro homeowners opt for solar systems rated 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.

Financing Solar Energy in San Leandro

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar loans. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best 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 have full ownership of 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 installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.