Best 10 Solar Companies in San Ramon, CA

San Ramon homeowners are committed to conserving resources and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for an excellent company. In this guide, we'll showcase San Ramon's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar companies near San Ramon, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Certifications and licenses: 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 San Ramon community for a decade or longer.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most San Ramon solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to San Ramon Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward 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 San Ramon

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping 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 water heaters, HVAC, pool heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and boilers. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 San Ramon

The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor provides these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in San Ramon

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 power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, cash payments and solar leases. Though it requires 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 second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each provider you're considering about the payment plans 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 San Ramon.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans 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