10 best solar companies in Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek, California, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Walnut Creek to help you select the right one.
Before hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Walnut Creek 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
While putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Walnut Creek homeowners to save an average of $1,100 every year.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Walnut Creek
Seek out Walnut Creek solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
SunPower
Services Offered
Sunrun Solar
Services Offered
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Got Watts?
Services Offered
Complete Solar
Services Offered
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
Services Offered
solarXperts
Services Offered
High Definition Solar
Services Offered
Source Energy
Services Offered
Solar Technologies
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Walnut Creek?
The Walnut Creek region receives plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the key reasons to go solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you fuel electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the best way to make sure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Walnut Creek
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 Walnut Creek?
Per a survey we carried out in October 2023, the typical cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Walnut Creek has a typical cost of $7,395.
How much can you save by going solar in Walnut Creek?
Though installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Walnut Creek from going solar
In Walnut Creek, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence 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 recover 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), NASA and the EIA, Walnut Creek's standard solar payback period is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek homeowners can expect to save about $1,053 per year on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can expect to save about $20,513 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Walnut Creek from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are provided statewide to all California residents, while others depend on municipality, utility company and city.
The following solar incentives are available for California residents, according to 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 Walnut Creek solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements influence cost, when you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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