10 best solar companies in Pleasanton, 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.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Pleasanton, California, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Pleasanton to help you choose the right one.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Pleasanton or pick 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
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that transitioning to solar energy allows Pleasanton homeowners to save approximately $1,100 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer identical services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Pleasanton
Vet Pleasanton solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
SunPower
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Complete Solar
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Your Energy Solutions
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Solar Bill Review
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Semper Solaris
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Kingdom Solar
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Solar Technologies
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Infinity Energy
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NorthStar Solar Inc
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Simply Solar
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton and the nearby areas get plenty of sunlight, which allows homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are the top reasons for considering solar energy:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy enables you to fuel electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the ideal way to make sure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar lets you reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Pleasanton
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 Pleasanton?
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Pleasanton, solar panel installation costs approximately $7,314, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Pleasanton?
Though installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Money savings in Pleasanton from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Pleasanton homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for achieving returns 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, Pleasanton's standard solar payback period is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pleasanton: Homeowners in Pleasanton typically save an average of $1,053 per year by using solar energy, based on our analysis using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $20,577 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Pleasanton from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Pleasanton?
Homeowners in Pleasanton can enjoy several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all California residents, and others differ by your utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible solar incentives to California homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| 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 Pleasanton solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could affect your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rainfall 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 solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. Incorporating battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly 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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