Best 5 Solar Companies in Turlock, CA

With Turlock's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for an excellent company. Discover Turlock's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Turlock solar companies.

• 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.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Turlock solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Turlock community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. 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: Adopting solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Turlock Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Turlock

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, pool heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, 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. Solar companies can also pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Turlock

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 boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors include these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Turlock homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Turlock

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to 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. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and get 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 Turlock.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions 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