10 best solar companies in Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, California, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar companies in Fairfield.
Before settling on an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Fairfield or opt for a leading 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
Although solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Fairfield homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
The products from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Fairfield
When looking into Fairfield solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower
Services Offered
Sunrun Solar
Services Offered
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...
Ambrose Solar
Services Offered
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Got Watts?
Services Offered
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
Services Offered
Solar Optimum
Services Offered
solarXperts
Services Offered
High Definition Solar
Services Offered
Green Air and Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Fairfield?
The Fairfield region receives plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are the key reasons to choose solar:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to ensure your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about Fairfield
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 Fairfield?
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you choose any accessories like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
Based on statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Fairfield is $7,414.
How much can you save by going solar in Fairfield?
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Fairfield from going solar
In Fairfield, you can anticipate saving money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup 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 average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in Fairfield is approximately 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Fairfield: Based on numbers that leverage data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA, Fairfield homeowners save around $1,053 per year 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 plan to see a total savings of around $20,498 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Fairfield from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Fairfield?
Fairfield homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are offered statewide to all California residents, and others vary based on city, utility company and municipality.
Per 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Fairfield solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a solar installation expert.
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. Larger homes often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the proper permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, rain conditions and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is essential in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, adding battery storage can result in higher installation costs.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying 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 how much 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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