Best 5 Solar Companies in West Hollywood, CA

The West Hollywood community is purposeful about protecting the environment and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar companies for their homes. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,700 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover West Hollywood's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of West Hollywood solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the finest:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most West Hollywood solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Professional licenses and credentials: 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 West Hollywood community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to West Hollywood Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in West Hollywood

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar HVAC, pool heaters, boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and water heaters. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to secure a license. Solar companies can also pursue accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. 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 West Hollywood

Your solar modules' style will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor offers these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in West Hollywood. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount West Hollywood solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in West Hollywood

Solar installers 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 leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Ask each provider you're considering about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

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