10 best solar companies in French Valley, 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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in French Valley, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the best possible installer, we've put together a list of the leading solar companies in French Valley.
Before choosing an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in French Valley or pick 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 significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy enables French Valley homeowners to save approximately $750 per year.
Various solar companies provide different products. Be sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in French Valley
Search for French Valley solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
You should look through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Keep an eye out for frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
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SunPower by Milholland Electric
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SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
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SunPower by True Power Solar
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Current Home
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Voltaic Construction, LLC
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New Day Solar
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Switch Solutions
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ADT Solar
Services Offered
Blalock Electric & Solar Inc
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in French Valley?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like French Valley, can still benefit from solar power. The top reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar allows you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best assurance that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about French Valley
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 French Valley?
Based on a survey we carried out in October 2023, the median cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, roof orientation, labor costs, sunlight availability, shading and system size. Selecting extras such as solar trackers, animal guards or batteries will increase the overall cost.
Based on numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in French Valley has an average cost of $6,803.
How much can you save by going solar in French Valley?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in French Valley from going solar
In French Valley, you can plan to save money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover 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, French Valley's average payback period for solar is 9 years.
- Annual solar savings in French Valley: Based on numbers that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, French Valley homeowners save around $751 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $13,417 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in French Valley from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 52 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1300 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in French Valley?
French Valley homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are provided statewide to all California residents, and others differ based on utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible 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 French Valley solar installer?
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by 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 might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken 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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