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 Pittsburg, California, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar panel companies in Pittsburg.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Pittsburg or go with an established national brand.
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Pittsburg homeowners to save an average of $1,100 per year.
Different solar companies offer different products. Take the time to look at each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Seek out Pittsburg solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of frequent bad reviews.
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...The Pittsburg region enjoys plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are the key reasons to go solar:
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the median cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the mean cost to install solar panels in Pittsburg is $7,395.
While solar panel installation might be a big initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Pittsburg homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
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Pittsburg homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are offered statewide to all California residents, whereas others depend on city, municipality and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for California residents:
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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, go over these important questions.
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 bigger solar setups. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Many solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used 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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