10 best solar companies in Riverbank, 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 Riverbank, California, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Riverbank.
Prior to hiring an installer, get referrals, review potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can pick a local Riverbank solar company or select a reputable 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
While solar panels require a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Riverbank homeowners to save $1,000 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should assess different companies and get quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Riverbank
Seek out Riverbank solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
Solar Installation Group, Inc.
Services Offered
SunLectric
Services Offered
Radius Energy Inc
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
Clear Solar Solutions, Inc
Services Offered
Next Energy
Services Offered
West Coast Solar
Services Offered
APG Solar
Services Offered
Del Sol Energy
Services Offered
Your Energy Solutions
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Riverbank?
Riverbank and the neighboring areas get plenty of sunshine, which makes it possible for homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. Major reasons to adopt solar power are these:
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity bills. Solar panel systems generate power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Riverbank
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 Riverbank?
According to the results of our survey done in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you choose any extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Riverbank, solar panel installation costs an average of $7,258, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Riverbank?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Money savings in Riverbank from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, Riverbank homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Riverbank is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Riverbank: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Riverbank homeowners save around $1,050 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can expect to save $20,530 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Riverbank from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Riverbank?
Riverbank homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are provided statewide to all California residents, while others vary based on utility company, city and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for 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 Riverbank solar installer?
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive houses tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could affect your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The addition of battery storage might bump up the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These elements affect cost, when you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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