10 best solar companies in El Dorado Hills, 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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in El Dorado Hills, California, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've assembled a list of the top solar companies in El Dorado Hills.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, 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 El Dorado Hills 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
Even though solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows El Dorado Hills homeowners to save $1,000 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in El Dorado Hills
Search for El Dorado Hills solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
Sunrun Solar
Services Offered
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...
Senga Energy, LLC
Services Offered
Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc.
Services Offered
Solar Savings Direct, Inc
Services Offered
Nationwide Sun
Services Offered
Phoenix Energy Solutions
Services Offered
Sunrise Energy Solutions
Services Offered
SUPERIOR SOLAR, INC
Services Offered
Capital City Solar
Services Offered
Bright Home Services
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in El Dorado Hills?
Homeowners in El Dorado Hills can benefit from solar energy since the area receives a lot of sunshine. The main reasons to opt for solar include these:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help decrease your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems generate power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to 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.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to fuel electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the ideal way to make sure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
Facts about El Dorado Hills
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 El Dorado Hills?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you select any accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Drawing from data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in El Dorado Hills generally runs about $7,493.
How much can you save by going solar in El Dorado Hills?
Installing solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in El Dorado Hills from going solar
In El Dorado Hills, you can expect to save money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, El Dorado Hills' average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in El Dorado Hills: Homeowners in El Dorado Hills typically save around $996 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of around $18,998 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in El Dorado Hills from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 47 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1175 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in El Dorado Hills?
There are several solar incentives open to homeowners in El Dorado Hills. Certain programs cover all California residents, while others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, these 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 |
Rebate Program SMUD - PV Residential Retrofit Buy-Down | $300 |
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 El Dorado Hills solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, go over these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends 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 big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, precipitation 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 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 in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements affect 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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