10 best solar companies in Palm Desert, 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 get a high-quality solar panel installation in Palm Desert, California, you'll need to find a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Palm Desert to help you choose the right one.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the best company for you. You can choose a local Palm Desert solar company 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 solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy lets Palm Desert homeowners to save around $750 per year.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Before booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Palm Desert
Focus your search on Palm Desert solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a respectable 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 making a note of as a possible red flag.
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
Renova Energy
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Sunlogix Energy
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Supreme Solar & Electric
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FreeVolt USA
Services Offered
Planet Solar
Services Offered
Hot Purple Energy
Services Offered
P.J.B. Consulting (Solar Provider)
Services Offered
Current Home
Services Offered
Burgeson's Heating, A/C , Electrical, Solar & Plumbing
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Palm Desert?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Palm Desert, can still benefit from solar power. The major reasons to switch to solar power are:
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best assurance that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar shrinks your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Palm Desert
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 Palm Desert?
According to the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is impacted by your labor costs, sunlight availability, area, system size, roof orientation and shading. Selecting bonus features such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will increase the overall cost.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, installing solar panels in Palm Desert averages around $6,803.
How much can you save by going solar in Palm Desert?
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Palm Desert from going solar
In Palm Desert, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Palm Desert is around 9 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Palm Desert: Based on numbers that leverage data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA, Palm Desert homeowners save around $752 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save around $13,447 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Palm Desert from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 107 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2675 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are available statewide to all California residents, while others depend on municipality, utility company and city.
Available 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 Palm Desert 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 is based 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 expansive 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 regulations could impact 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, rain 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?
Many solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be helpful for preventing power loss during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed 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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