10 best solar companies in Modesto, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations
Read MoreJoin more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
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 Modesto, California requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Modesto to help you choose the perfect installer.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, review the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Modesto or opt for 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
While installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy allows Modesto homeowners to save an average of $1,000 every year.
Not every solar company provides 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 Modesto
Seek out Modesto solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
Solar Installation Group, Inc.
Services Offered
Radius Energy Inc
Services Offered
Clear Solar Solutions, Inc
Services Offered
SunLectric
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
Next Energy
Services Offered
APG Solar
Services Offered
West Coast Solar
Services Offered
Your Energy Solutions
Services Offered
Del Sol Energy
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Modesto?
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Modesto, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the best reasons for adopting solar power:
- Save on energy bills: You can lower your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Modesto
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 Modesto?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, labor costs, shading, roof orientation, sunlight availability and system size. Selecting accessories such as animal guards, batteries or solar trackers will increase the overall cost.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in Modesto is $7,258.
How much can you save by going solar in Modesto?
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Modesto from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Modesto 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 typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recoup its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Modesto's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Modesto: Homeowners in Modesto typically save an average of $1,032 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $20,102 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Modesto from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Modesto?
There are several solar incentives open to homeowners in Modesto. Various programs are applicable to all California residents, while others are based on your utility company, municipality and city.
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 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 Modesto solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could affect your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall 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?
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be crucial for preventing power loss in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These aspects affect 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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarApr. 23
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMar. 27
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarMar. 25
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27