Best 5 Solar Companies in Upland, CA

Upland homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. Solar installers take a uniquely educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and tailor it to their requirements. Discover Upland's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed dozens of Upland solar companies, using the following criteria to determine the finest:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Upland solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability 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.
• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor 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 Upland community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Upland Homeowners?

California agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Upland

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Upland

Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. 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 dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Upland. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Upland

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 cash payments, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further 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