10 best solar companies in Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale, California requires you to select a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the best solar companies in Sunnyvale to help you choose the perfect installer.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Sunnyvale or select a well-known 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 lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy enables Sunnyvale homeowners to save an average of $950 annually.
The products from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Sunnyvale
Look for Sunnyvale solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
You should look through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower
Services Offered
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
TN Electrical and Solar Services
Services Offered
Highlight Solar
Services Offered
Sunternal
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 Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale and the surrounding areas have plenty of sunshine, which makes it possible for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. The biggest reasons to adopt solar power include these:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar allows you to lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving 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 charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Sunnyvale
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 Sunnyvale?
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the typical cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select add-ons like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on statistics from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the typical price to install solar panels in Sunnyvale is $7,249.
How much can you save by going solar in Sunnyvale?
While installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Sunnyvale from going solar
In Sunnyvale, 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 impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Sunnyvale is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Sunnyvale: Based on numbers that leverage data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA, Sunnyvale homeowners save around $953 annually with solar 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 $18,116 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Sunnyvale from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar 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 Sunnyvale?
Homeowners in Sunnyvale can qualify for several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all California residents, and others are determined by your city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives accessible 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 |
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 Sunnyvale solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could affect your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Adding battery storage might affect the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area 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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