Best 5 Solar Companies in South Whittier, CA

South Whittier homeowners enjoy an average of 191 sunny days annually, making the city a suitable environment for solar panels. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. An experienced solar company can help you set up and tune a system that matches your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll show you South Whittier's leading solar installers and share valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of South Whittier solar companies, using the following criteria to determine the top-notch:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most South Whittier solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the South Whittier community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your periodic electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount 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 South Whittier Homeowners?

California homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in South Whittier

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately function. Consider each of these aspects in your business search.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, pool heaters, water heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and HVAC. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in South Whittier

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 vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers include these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of South Whittier and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,350 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in South Whittier

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with 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 variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment plans 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 South Whittier.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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