6 best solar companies in San Luis Obispo, 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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in San Luis Obispo, California, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've gathered a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in San Luis Obispo.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can pick a local San Luis Obispo solar company or use 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
While solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can reduce your energy bills in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables San Luis Obispo homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in San Luis Obispo
Search for San Luis Obispo solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
Photon Brothers
Services Offered
California Power - Renewable Energy
Services Offered
Greentech Renewables San Luis Obispo
Services Offered
Axiom 360
Services Offered
A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing
Services Offered
Planet Oath LLC
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Luis Obispo?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like San Luis Obispo, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to go solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to fuel electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the ideal way to make sure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help decrease your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
Facts about San Luis Obispo
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 Luis Obispo?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you choose accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
As per numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in San Luis Obispo has a typical cost of $6,986.
How much can you save by going solar in San Luis Obispo?
Installing solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in San Luis Obispo from going solar
In San Luis Obispo, you can anticipate saving money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, San Luis Obispo's standard solar payback period is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in San Luis Obispo: On average, San Luis Obispo homeowners can save $1,053 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $20,835 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in San Luis Obispo from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 51 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1275 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are available statewide to all California residents, and others differ based on utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives for 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 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 Luis Obispo solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, evaluate these key considerations.
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 faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local laws. You must get proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Adding battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels 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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