10 best solar companies in Mountain View, 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 Mountain View, California, requires you to hire a solar company that is certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the right installer, we've gathered a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Mountain View.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the ideal company for you. You can pick a local Mountain View solar company or choose 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 big initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Mountain View homeowners to save a yearly average of around $980.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Before arranging your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Mountain View
Seek out Mountain View 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 good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
SunPower
Services Offered
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
Highlight Solar
Services Offered
TN Electrical and Solar Services
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
Soleeva
Services Offered
Simply Solar
Services Offered
Bright World
Services Offered
Clean Solar
Services Offered
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Mountain View?
Homeowners in Mountain View are well-positioned for solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The top reasons to transition to solar power include these:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help decrease your electricity bills. Solar panel systems create power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Mountain View
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 Mountain View?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your sunlight availability, roof orientation, shading, area, system size and labor costs. Opting for extras such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will raise the overall cost.
Drawing from data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Mountain View averages around $7,249.
How much can you save by going solar in Mountain View?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Money savings in Mountain View from going solar
In Mountain View, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in Mountain View is around 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Mountain View: Mountain View homeowners can anticipate saving about $975 per year on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by moving completely to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $18,683 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Mountain View from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy lowers your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Mountain View?
Homeowners in Mountain View can be eligible for several solar incentives. A few are available across the state for all California residents, and others differ by your city, utility company and municipality.
Available solar incentives to California homeowners, per 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 |
Leasing Program Santa Clara Water & Sewer - Solar Water Heating Program | See Website |
Rebate Program City of Palo Alto Utilities - Solar Water Heating Program | Single-family residential gas-displacing systems: $18.59 per therm displaced Single-family residential electricity or propane-displacing systems: $0.54 per kWh displaced Multifamily and Commercial gas-displacing systems: $14.53 per therm displaced Multifamily and Commercial electricity or propane-displacing systems: $0.42 per kWh displaced Low-Income Multifamily gas-displacing systems: $19.23/therm displaced Low-Income Multifamily Electric or Propane Displacing systems: $0.56/kWh 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 Mountain View solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and will potentially require bigger solar setups. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to applicable codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful 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 can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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.
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