Best 5 Solar Companies in Tulare, CA

With Tulare's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an excellent area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. 12,333 homes in the area already employ a solar PV or water heating system. Professional installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to join the solar revolution with confidence. On this page, we'll highlight Tulare's best solar installers and give valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed a multitude of Tulare solar companies, using the following criteria to choose the best:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Tulare solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Tulare community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tulare Homeowners?

California homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for rebates, reimbursements, special financing and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Tulare

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Tulare

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.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor provides these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

A majority of Tulare homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost 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 Tulare

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.

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

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.

Sources

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