10 best solar companies in Oakley, 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 perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Oakley, California, you'll need to hire a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Oakley to help you select the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can go with a local Oakley 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 are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Oakley homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Ahead of arranging your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Oakley
Search for Oakley solar companies with at least 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).
You should look through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential 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...
West Coast Solar
Services Offered
Del Sol Energy
Services Offered
United Solar Electric
Services Offered
Suntrek Solar
Services Offered
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Got Watts?
Services Offered
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
Services Offered
Complete Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Oakley?
Oakley and the nearby areas get plenty of sunlight, which enables homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for going solar:
- Save on energy bills: Using solar can help decrease your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems use power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing 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 primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Oakley
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 Oakley?
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the average 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 orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Oakley typically costs $7,395.
How much can you save by going solar in Oakley?
While solar panel installation may be a big initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Oakley from going solar
In Oakley, you can expect to save 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 influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Oakley is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Oakley: On average, Oakley homeowners can save $1,053 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $20,513 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Oakley from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 48 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Oakley?
There are a number of solar incentives open to homeowners in Oakley. Specific programs cover all California residents, while others are based on your municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives offered 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Oakley solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a solar installation expert.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the required 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 sun. Trees, precipitation and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be vital for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These elements affect cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used 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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