Best 5 Solar Companies in Santee, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Santee

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, HVAC, pool heaters, and water heaters. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to secure a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Santee

Your solar modules' style 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 offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Santee. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Santee

Choosing the ideal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment or securing 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for companies that offer two or more 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 Santee.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.