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.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Fair Oaks, California, you'll need to find a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the top solar companies in Fair Oaks to help you find the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and request multiple quotes to identify the ideal company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Fair Oaks or select a well-known national brand.
While solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Fair Oaks homeowners to save a yearly average of about $820.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Seek out Fair Oaks solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...Fair Oaks and the nearby areas get plenty of sunlight, which allows homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for going solar:
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you select any accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Fair Oaks has an average cost of $7,491.
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Fair Oaks, you can plan to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Fair Oaks. Certain programs cover all California residents, while others are determined by your municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are offered to California residents, as listed in DSIRE:
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
|
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 SMUD - PV Residential Retrofit Buy-Down | $300 |
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. |
Consider these key points before hiring a solar installation expert.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't large enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rain conditions and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is especially useful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage may increase the installation cost.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
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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