10 best solar companies in Montclair, 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 complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Montclair, California, you'll need a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Montclair to help you select the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Montclair 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
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Montclair homeowners to save $750 on average each year.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Montclair
Seek out Montclair solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
SunPower by True Power Solar
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SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
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SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
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Titanium Solar
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Simple Solar
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JDC Energy
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RICH SOLAR
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Simply Solar
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Clean Energy Solutions
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Mohr Power Solar Inc.
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Montclair?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Montclair, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to 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) indicates that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the ideal way to make sure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
Facts about Montclair
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 Montclair?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Montclair has a typical cost of $6,973.
How much can you save by going solar in Montclair?
Putting in solar panels requires substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Montclair from going solar
Homeowners in Montclair who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Montclair is 9 years.
- Annual solar savings in Montclair: Homeowners in Montclair typically save an average of $751 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our findings using data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $13,283 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Montclair from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and minimizes 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
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What solar incentives are available in Montclair?
Several solar incentives are available to Montclair homeowners. Certain programs are available to all California residents, while others vary by municipality, utility company and city.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to California residents:
| 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 Montclair solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, 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 typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. 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?
Your solar installation project may be subject to the necessary codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be helpful for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly 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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