10 best solar companies in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara, California, requires hiring a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve compiled a list of the leading solar installers in Santa Clara.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Santa Clara or pick 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 big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy lets Santa Clara homeowners to save approximately $940 per year.
The products from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Santa Clara
Focus on Santa Clara solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
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.
SunPower
Services Offered
Sunternal
Services Offered
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
TN Electrical and Solar Services
Services Offered
Highlight Solar
Services Offered
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Services Offered
Soleeva
Services Offered
Bright World
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
180 E Sunnyoaks Ave Bldg 2, Campbell, CA 95008
(669) 203-2061
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/bay-a...
Simply Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Santa Clara?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Santa Clara, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to go solar are:
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy lets you lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar shrinks your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would 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.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Santa Clara
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 Santa Clara?
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you choose extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the typical price to install solar panels in Santa Clara is $7,249.
How much can you save by going solar in Santa Clara?
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Santa Clara from going solar
In Santa Clara, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Santa Clara's standard solar payback period is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Santa Clara: Santa Clara homeowners can expect to save around $942 annually on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can expect to save about $17,836 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Santa Clara from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers 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 Santa Clara?
There are multiple solar incentives available to homeowners in Santa Clara. Various programs cover all California residents, while others are determined by your utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are accessible to 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 |
Leasing Program Santa Clara Water & Sewer - Solar Water Heating Program | See Website |
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 Santa Clara solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could affect your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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