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Best 5 Solar Companies in West Sacramento, CA
The best solar company in West Sacramento is Sunrun Solar.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With West Sacramento's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for the right installer. On this page, we'll showcase West Sacramento's best solar companies and offer expert advice for your solar journey.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
5 Best Solar Companies in West Sacramento
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Sunrun Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...
Solectric
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Five Star Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Citadel Roofing & Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
AMECO Solar & Roofing
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has researched dozens of solar installers near West Sacramento, keeping in mind the following criteria:
- Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the West Sacramento community for over 15 years.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
- Customer feedback and reviews: Most West Sacramento solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
Facts about West Sacramento
- Average Max Temperature:74°F
- Solar Payback Period:7 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:67%
- Homes Powered by Solar:9,911
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,538
- Solar Power per Capita:98.0%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to West Sacramento Homeowners?
The state of California offers a variety of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/active-solar-energy-system.htm#Description
Incentive Amount:
100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://wrcog.us/DocumentCenter/View/4469/CPP-V2-2018-FINAL
Incentive Amount:
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.selfgenca.com/
Incentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Incentive Type:Feed-in Tariff
Website:https://www.ladwp.com/fit
Incentive Amount:
$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/solarwater/index.php
Incentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.smud.org/en/residential/environment/solar-for-your-home/financing-options.htm
Incentive Amount:
$300
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in West Sacramento
The more informed your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar boilers, photovoltaic (PV) systems, pool heaters, water heaters, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in West Sacramento
The style of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.
A majority of West Sacramento homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,350 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,226.79 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $956.89 |
| Thin-Film | $559.41 |
| Solar Battery | $785.14 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,944.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in West Sacramento
Choosing the ideal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in West Sacramento.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.4 years |
| 2 kW | 2.7 years |
| 5 kW | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | 13.7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in West Sacramento
On average, West Sacramento homeowners shell out roughly $1,538 per year on energy bills. Once you pay off your solar array, you could save $1,636.18 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is gaining popularity in West Sacramento. Some homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're fortified by a state solar economy with 74255 jobs and counting.
Yes, solar energy systems will raise your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you save on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
Even if you live in one of West Sacramento's few dark areas, you could still use solar energy. Your technician will enhance your system's performance by selecting the proper site for panels, installing a battery backup system, positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, and cleaning them regularly. This way, you can store solar power and utilize it as necessary.
The average West Sacramento solar system size is 3.1 kilowatts (kW). However, your final system size depends on your household's power consumption. Your panel model, roof size, and surrounding shading could also impact your final result. A professional solar installer will consider these factors and determine the right system size for your home.
The average payback period for a solar loan in West Sacramento is 7.4 years. By paying off extra principal each month, you can shorten the payback period and own your system faster.
Even the most renowned West Sacramento solar companies will have both supportive and critical reviews. To make the most informed selection possible, focus on these indicators to know if a company isn't worth your time:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Not being straightforward about training and credentials, cost, warranties and references
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Rushing through the site assessment
- No business filing with your local secretary of state
Yes, we advise requesting free solar quotes from three or more companies. You should review each quote and compare labor fees, equipment costs, warranty details, financing options and prework scope and costs. Ensure each quote presents an itemized financial plan and includes your expected payback period.
Sources
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