10 best solar companies in San Mateo, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in San Mateo, California, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've gathered a list of the leading solar companies in San Mateo.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, review the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in San Mateo or choose a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables San Mateo homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,100.
The products from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in San Mateo
Look for San Mateo solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower
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Semper Solaris
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Owens Electric & Solar
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SolarUnion
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CivicSolar, Inc
Services Offered
Solar Bill Review
Services Offered
Complete Solar
Services Offered
GRID Alternatives
Services Offered
Your Energy Solutions
Services Offered
Got Watts?
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Mateo?
San Mateo and the nearby areas receive plenty of sunlight, which allows homeowners to utilize solar energy. Here are the top reasons for going solar:
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Using your own power is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
Facts about San Mateo
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Mateo?
According to the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is impacted by your sunlight availability, roof orientation, shading, labor costs, system size and area. Choosing accessories such as batteries, animal guards or solar trackers will increase the overall cost.
Based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in San Mateo averages around $7,454.
How much can you save by going solar in San Mateo?
While solar panel installation might be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in San Mateo from going solar
In San Mateo, you can anticipate saving money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, San Mateo's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in San Mateo: On average, San Mateo homeowners can save $1,053 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by switching fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $20,467 after 25 years.
Energy savings in San Mateo from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in San Mateo?
There are multiple solar incentives available to homeowners in San Mateo. Specific programs are applicable to all California residents, while others are dependent on your municipality, utility company and city.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to California residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | 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. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | 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. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | 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 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a San Mateo solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, go over these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The addition of battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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