10 best solar companies in San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, California, requires hiring a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve put together a list of the best solar companies in San Carlos.
Before selecting an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in San Carlos 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
While solar panels are a significant 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 enables San Carlos homeowners to save around $1,100 per year.
Various solar companies provide different products. Be sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in San Carlos
When researching San Carlos solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
SunPower
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Semper Solaris
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Owens Electric & Solar
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CivicSolar, Inc
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Solar Bill Review
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SolarUnion
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Complete Solar
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Infinium Solar, Inc.
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Simply Solar
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Your Energy Solutions
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Carlos?
San Carlos and the nearby regions receive abundant sunshine, which allows homeowners to benefit from solar energy. The biggest reasons to adopt solar power are these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can lower your energy bills by switching to solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about San Carlos
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 San Carlos?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in San Carlos generally runs about $7,454.
How much can you save by going solar in San Carlos?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Money savings in San Carlos from going solar
Homeowners in San Carlos who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in San Carlos is approximately 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in San Carlos: San Carlos homeowners can expect to save around $1,053 annually on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by moving completely to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $20,467 after 25 years.
Energy savings in San Carlos from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 48 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in San Carlos?
A variety of solar incentives are available to San Carlos homeowners. Certain programs are offered to all California residents, whereas others change by city, utility company and municipality.
The following solar incentives are accessible to California residents, as listed in DSIRE:
| 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 San Carlos solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
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. More energy-intensive households 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?
Your solar installation project might be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, rainfall and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is especially useful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Installing battery storage may increase the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of 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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