10 best solar companies in Napa, 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 Napa, California, you'll need a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Napa to help you select the right one.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Napa or go with 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 are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Napa homeowners to save $1,100 on average each 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 Napa
Look for Napa 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 good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative 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...
Simply Solar
Services Offered
Ambrose Solar
Services Offered
Bella Hem Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Got Watts?
Services Offered
Pac Solar Corporation
Services Offered
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
Services Offered
solarXperts
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Napa?
Homeowners in Napa are well-positioned for solar energy since the area receives a lot of sunshine. The primary reasons to consider solar panels include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the optimal method to ensure your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Napa
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 Napa?
Based on a survey we carried out in October 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by 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 animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
Based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, installing solar panels in Napa averages around $7,422.
How much can you save by going solar in Napa?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Money savings in Napa from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Napa homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount 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), the EIA and NASA, Napa's standard solar payback period is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Napa: Homeowners in Napa typically save around $1,053 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our findings using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- 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 $20,492 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Napa from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Napa?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Napa homeowners. Certain programs are available to all California residents, though others differ by city, utility company and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives to 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 Napa solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive houses tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could impact your solar project. Be sure to secure 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. Tree coverage, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is especially useful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Installing battery storage may increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements can change the 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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