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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Inglewood, California requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Inglewood to help you hire the perfect installer.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can select a local solar company in Inglewood or pick a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels require a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Inglewood homeowners to save $820 on average each year.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Search for Inglewood solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Homeowners in Inglewood are well-positioned for solar energy since the area receives a lot of sunshine. The top reasons to opt for solar include these:
According to the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Per statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in Inglewood is $6,920.
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Inglewood homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Inglewood. Specific programs are applicable to all California residents, while others depend on your city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives to California homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
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. |
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and may require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local regulations. You must get proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rain levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature becomes critical during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
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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