10 best solar companies in Petaluma, 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 Petaluma, California requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Petaluma to help you hire the perfect installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and request multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Petaluma 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
Even though solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can reduce your energy expenses in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy allows Petaluma homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Petaluma
Look for Petaluma solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower
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Bella Hem Solar, Inc.
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Simply Solar
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Amy's Roofing and Solar
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Sun Solar Electric Inc.
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Pac Solar Corporation
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SolarCraft
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Suntegrity Solar
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VITAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS
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Taylor Energy Solar & Batteries
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Petaluma?
The Petaluma region gets plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the key reasons to go solar:
- 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 reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help reduce your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
Facts about Petaluma
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 Petaluma?
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the typical cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Based on statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in Petaluma is $7,496.
How much can you save by going solar in Petaluma?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Money savings in Petaluma from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Petaluma homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recover 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), the EIA and NASA, Petaluma's standard solar payback period is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Petaluma: Homeowners in Petaluma typically save an average of $1,053 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our findings using data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $20,434 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Petaluma from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable 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 Petaluma?
There are multiple solar incentives available to homeowners in Petaluma. Various programs are applicable to all California residents, while others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
Accessible 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 Petaluma solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, evaluate these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rain and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be helpful for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced 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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