10 best solar companies in Redwood City, 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 Redwood City, California, requires choosing a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar panel companies in Redwood City.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can choose a local Redwood City solar company or choose 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 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 moving to solar energy enables Redwood City homeowners to save about $1,100 per year.
Many solar companies offer different services. Take the time to review each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Redwood City
Seek out Redwood City solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower
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Semper Solaris
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Owens Electric & Solar
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Solar Bill Review
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Infinium Solar, Inc.
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CivicSolar, Inc
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Complete Solar
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Simply Solar
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SolarUnion
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Highlight Solar
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Redwood City?
Homeowners in Redwood City are well-positioned for solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The top reasons to opt for solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to supply your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- 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.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Redwood City
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 Redwood City?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally 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 goes up if you select any add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
In Redwood City, solar panel installation costs an average of $7,454, based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Redwood City?
While solar panel installation can be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Redwood City from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Redwood City homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns 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), the EIA and NASA, Redwood City's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Redwood City: On average, Redwood City homeowners can save $1,053 per year utilizing 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: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save approximately $20,467 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Redwood City from going solar
Transitioning 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 achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 48 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Redwood City?
Homeowners in Redwood City can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all California residents, and others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to California residents, as listed by 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 Redwood City solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could affect your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for ensuring continuous power in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could increase the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. 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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