10 best solar companies in Los Altos, 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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Los Altos, California, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the leading solar companies in Los Altos.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to identify the best company for you. You can go with a local Los Altos 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 putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy allows Los Altos homeowners to save an average of $1,000 annually.
Various solar companies provide different products. Take the time to look at each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Los Altos
When evaluating Los Altos solar companies, search for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of consistent bad reviews.
SunPower
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Infinium Solar, Inc.
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Semper Solaris
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Highlight Solar
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TN Electrical and Solar Services
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Soleeva
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Simply Solar
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Cinnamon Energy Systems
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Sunternal
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Bright World
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Los Altos?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Los Altos, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar allows you to lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the best way to make sure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
Facts about Los Altos
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 Los Altos?
According to the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Los Altos, solar panel installation costs an average of $7,249, according to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How much can you save by going solar in Los Altos?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Los Altos from going solar
In Los Altos, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover 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, Los Altos' average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Los Altos: Based on numbers that leverage data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy, Los Altos homeowners save around $1,010 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $19,541 after switching fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Los Altos from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 49 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1225 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Los Altos?
Los Altos homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are offered statewide to all California residents, and others differ based on city, municipality and utility company.
The following solar incentives are available for California residents, according to 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
|
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 |
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 Los Altos solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Trees, rainfall and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The addition of battery storage could raise the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which 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.
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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