10 best solar companies in Riverside, 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 Riverside, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've compiled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Riverside.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the ideal company for you. You can go with a local Riverside solar company or select a reputable 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 require a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Riverside homeowners to save $840 on average each year.
Various solar companies provide different services. Take the time to review each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Riverside
Search for Riverside 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).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
SunPower by True Power Solar
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SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
Burgeson's Heating, A/C , Electrical, Solar & Plumbing
Services Offered
SolarRepair
Services Offered
Titanium Solar
Services Offered
SolarMax Technology
Services Offered
Mohr Power Solar Inc.
Services Offered
Solar Service Professionals
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Riverside?
Riverside and the nearby areas get plenty of sunlight, which enables homeowners to utilize solar energy. Here are the top reasons for switching to solar power:
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help reduce your electricity bills. Solar panel systems use power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- 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 optimal method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing 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.
Facts about Riverside
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 Riverside?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your labor costs, shading, system size, roof orientation, area and sunlight availability. Selecting extras such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
According to data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Riverside averages around $6,803.
How much can you save by going solar in Riverside?
Installing solar panels requires substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Riverside from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Riverside homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Riverside is 8 years.
- Annual solar savings in Riverside: Homeowners in Riverside typically save around $838 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our findings using data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $15,599 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Riverside from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers 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 Riverside?
Homeowners in Riverside can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available statewide for all California residents, and others differ by your municipality, utility company and city.
Accessible solar incentives to 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 Riverside solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire 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 schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Trees, rain conditions and extreme 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?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. Incorporating 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 space used 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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