10 best solar companies in San Lorenzo, 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.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in San Lorenzo, California, you'll need to hire a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in San Lorenzo to help you select the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and request multiple quotes to determine the right company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in San Lorenzo or use 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
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), transitioning to solar energy enables San Lorenzo homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Different 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 Lorenzo
Look for San Lorenzo solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
You should look through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
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Solar Bill Review
Services Offered
Complete Solar
Services Offered
CivicSolar, Inc
Services Offered
Solar Technologies
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NorthStar Solar Inc
Services Offered
Your Energy Solutions
Services Offered
SolarUnion
Services Offered
Got Watts?
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Lorenzo?
The San Lorenzo region enjoys plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons to go solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can power electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the optimal method to guarantee your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar allows you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about San Lorenzo
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 Lorenzo?
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of putting in solar panels across the country 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 cost increases if you choose any accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in San Lorenzo averages around $7,314.
How much can you save by going solar in San Lorenzo?
While installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Money savings in San Lorenzo from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, San Lorenzo homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recoup 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), NASA and the EIA, San Lorenzo's standard solar payback period is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in San Lorenzo: Homeowners in San Lorenzo typically save around $1,053 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our calculations using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $20,577 after switching fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in San Lorenzo 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 projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in San Lorenzo?
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in San Lorenzo. Various programs cover all California residents, while others are based on your city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives accessible for 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 San Lorenzo solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
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. Larger homes use more electricity and might require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss during inclement weather. Installing battery storage might affect the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects impact 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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