10 best solar companies in Hercules, 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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Hercules, California, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar installers in Hercules.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Hercules or use 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
Although solar panels require a big initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy allows Hercules homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,100.
Various solar companies offer different products. Make sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Hercules
Look for Hercules solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
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...
Got Watts?
Services Offered
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Pac Solar Corporation
Services Offered
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
Services Offered
solarXperts
Services Offered
High Definition Solar
Services Offered
Save a Lot Solar
Services Offered
CivicSolar, Inc
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Hercules?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Hercules, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to consider solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to operate your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Hercules
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 Hercules?
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your shading, sunlight availability, system size, labor costs, area and roof orientation. Opting for bonus features such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will increase the overall cost.
According to numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Hercules has a typical cost of $7,395.
How much can you save by going solar in Hercules?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Hercules from going solar
In Hercules, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched 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 typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back 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, Hercules' average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Hercules: On average, Hercules homeowners can save $1,053 per year by adopting 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: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by moving completely to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $20,513 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Hercules from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Hercules?
Hercules homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are available statewide to all California residents, while others vary based on city, utility company and municipality.
Available solar incentives to California homeowners, as stated by 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 Hercules solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a solar installation expert.
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 may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
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 secure proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rain levels and severe weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. Incorporating battery storage can increase the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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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