10 best solar companies in Madera, 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 Madera, California requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Madera to help you hire the perfect installer.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Madera or decide on 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 are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that moving to solar energy allows Madera homeowners to save approximately $1,100 per year.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Madera
When researching Madera solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower by Quality Home Services
Services Offered
Solar Negotiators
Services Offered
SunMade Energy - Fresno Solar Company and Backup Battery
Services Offered
US Renewable Energy
Services Offered
Brighthouse
Services Offered
Supreme Solar & Electric
Services Offered
Bright World, LLC
Services Offered
Together Earth
Services Offered
Stellar Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
Energy Concepts
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Madera?
The Madera region enjoys plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to adopt solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to supply your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Madera
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 Madera?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you pick any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Madera generally runs about $7,303.
How much can you save by going solar in Madera?
While installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Money savings in Madera from going solar
Homeowners in Madera who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage affect 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 recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Madera is around 6 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 Madera: Homeowners in Madera typically save around $1,053 per year by using solar energy, based on our calculations using 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 transitioning fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $20,585 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Madera from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 49 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1225 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Madera?
Homeowners in Madera can qualify for several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all California residents, and others depend on your utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives available to California residents, as listed by 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 Madera solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
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 obtain the required permits through your local building department and book 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 extra panels with increased 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 under cloudy skies. Incorporating battery storage can increase the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken 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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