10 best solar companies in Rancho Cordova, 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 Rancho Cordova, California requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Rancho Cordova to help you find the perfect installer.
Prior to hiring an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to identify the best company for you. You can go with a local Rancho Cordova 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
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Rancho Cordova homeowners to save an average of $920 per year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should assess different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Rancho Cordova
When evaluating Rancho Cordova solar companies, find those with at least 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).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Sunrun Solar
Services Offered
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...
Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc.
Services Offered
Five Star Solar
Services Offered
Sunrise Energy Solutions
Services Offered
Green Day Power
Services Offered
SUPERIOR SOLAR, INC
Services Offered
Senga Energy, LLC
Services Offered
Capital City Solar
Services Offered
Prime Home Solutions
Services Offered
Citadel Roofing & Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Rancho Cordova?
The Rancho Cordova region enjoys plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to adopt solar:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar allows you to decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to 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 primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Rancho Cordova
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 Rancho Cordova?
According to the results of our survey done in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
According to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Rancho Cordova generally runs about $7,491.
How much can you save by going solar in Rancho Cordova?
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Rancho Cordova from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Rancho Cordova homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing 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), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Rancho Cordova is 8 years.
- Annual solar savings in Rancho Cordova: On average, Rancho Cordova homeowners can save $915 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on 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 $16,986 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Rancho Cordova from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable 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 Rancho Cordova?
Homeowners in Rancho Cordova can qualify for several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all California residents, and others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives offered 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 |
Rebate Program SMUD - PV Residential Retrofit Buy-Down | $300 |
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 Rancho Cordova solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a solar installation expert.
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. More expansive 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?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local regulations. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rain levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries conserve 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 multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
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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