Best 5 Solar Companies in Yuba City, CA

With Yuba City's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. Solar providers take a personalized and educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and adapt it to their requirements. Discover Yuba City'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 Yuba City solar companies.

• Professional licenses and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Yuba City community for a decade or longer.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Yuba City solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• 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.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your periodic electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Yuba City Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Yuba City

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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, HVAC, and water heaters. 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Yuba City

The style of solar panels you purchase dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you need to charge an electric car 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 efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Yuba City and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,350 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Yuba City

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

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