10 best solar companies in Tulare, 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 Tulare, California, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar installers in Tulare.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can choose a local Tulare solar company or use an established 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 are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Tulare homeowners to save around $900 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Tulare
Search for Tulare solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower by Quality Home Services
Services Offered
JP Electric & Solar
Services Offered
Kuubix Energy
Services Offered
AltSys Solar Inc.
Services Offered
CORE ENERGY GROUP
Services Offered
Energy Concepts
Services Offered
SunMade Energy - Fresno Solar Company and Backup Battery
Services Offered
Solar Negotiators
Services Offered
US Renewable Energy
Services Offered
Embr Earth
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Tulare?
The Tulare region gets plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to choose solar:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can lower your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the optimal way to make sure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
Facts about Tulare
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 Tulare?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on statistics from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean cost to install solar panels in Tulare is $7,187.
How much can you save by going solar in Tulare?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Tulare from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Tulare homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns 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 Tulare is approximately 8 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 Tulare: On average, Tulare homeowners can save $902 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $16,896 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Tulare from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on 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
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Tulare?
Tulare homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are provided statewide to all California residents, while others depend on city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives accessible for California residents, as listed by 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 |
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 Tulare solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and may require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local regulations. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries conserve extra energy, which can be crucial for preventing power loss during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in design, life expectancy 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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