10 best solar companies in Thousand Oaks, 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 Thousand Oaks, California, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar panel companies in Thousand Oaks.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can choose a local Thousand Oaks solar company or use 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
Even though solar panels require a large initial investment, you can reduce your energy bills in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Thousand Oaks homeowners to save a yearly average of about $750.
Various solar companies provide different products. Take the time to compare each company and get quotes from all before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Thousand Oaks
Seek out Thousand Oaks solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
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KOTA Energy Group
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Greenpire Inc
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Planet Connection Inc
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PacificSky Solar
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Imperial Solar
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Green Home Systems
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United Electric, Solar & Plumbing
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Imperium Energy
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Sasha International Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks and the nearby areas receive plenty of sunlight, which enables homeowners to utilize solar energy. Here are the top reasons for switching to solar power:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy lets you cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Using your own power is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
Facts about Thousand Oaks
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 Thousand Oaks?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for add-ons like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
According to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, solar panel installation in Thousand Oaks has a typical cost of $6,958.
How much can you save by going solar in Thousand Oaks?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Thousand Oaks from going solar
In Thousand Oaks, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover 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 average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recoup 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, Thousand Oaks' standard solar payback period is 9 years.
- Annual solar savings in Thousand Oaks: On average, Thousand Oaks homeowners can save $751 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of around $13,295 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Thousand Oaks from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 51 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1275 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Thousand Oaks?
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Thousand Oaks. Specific programs extend to all California residents, while others are determined by your municipality, utility company and city.
Accessible solar incentives for California homeowners, as stated by 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 Thousand Oaks solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need larger solar panel systems. 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?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required 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. 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 extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage may increase the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each varying in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels 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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