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 Concord, California, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar installers in Concord.
Before selecting an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Concord or go with an established national brand.
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Concord homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
When researching Concord 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).
You should read through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Concord, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for going solar:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Concord has a typical cost of $7,395.
While solar panel installation can be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
After fully switching to solar power, Concord homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
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Multiple solar incentives are offered to Concord homeowners. Certain programs are offered to all California residents, while others differ by utility company, city and municipality.
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. |
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Required permits and local or state laws could impact your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, rain levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable when sunlight is scarce and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage may lead to increased setup expenses.
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken on your roof.
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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