Best 5 Solar Companies in Thousand Oaks, CA

The Thousand Oaks community is purposeful about protecting the environment and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel burnt out searching for a top-notch installer. Discover Thousand Oaks' best solar companies and learn important decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of Thousand Oaks solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the superior:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Thousand Oaks solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company 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 Thousand Oaks community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Thousand Oaks Homeowners?

California agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Thousand Oaks

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the provider that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, pool heaters, HVAC, water heaters, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. 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), among 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 Thousand Oaks

The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Thousand Oaks

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options 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