10 best solar companies in Davis, 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 Davis, California requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Davis to help you choose the perfect installer.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, screen 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 Davis or opt for 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 installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that changing to solar energy enables Davis homeowners to save an average of $1,100 annually.
The offerings 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 Davis
Seek out Davis 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 respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of consistent 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...
Sunbank Solar
Services Offered
Ambrose Solar
Services Offered
Five Star Solar
Services Offered
AMECO Solar & Roofing
Services Offered
Citadel Roofing & Solar
Services Offered
Green Day Power
Services Offered
Future Energy Savers
Services Offered
Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc.
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Davis?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Davis, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Davis
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 Davis?
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you pick any accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Davis typically costs $7,476.
How much can you save by going solar in Davis?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Money savings in Davis from going solar
Homeowners in Davis who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- 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), the EIA and NASA, Davis' average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Davis: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Davis homeowners save around $1,053 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save about $20,449 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Davis from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers 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: 47 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1175 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Davis?
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Davis. Various programs extend to all California residents, while others are based on your city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives available to 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 Davis solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
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 houses tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could affect your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries store 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?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements influence cost, when 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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