10 best solar companies in Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park, California requires you to select a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've assembled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Menlo Park to help you choose the perfect installer.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Menlo Park or pick a well-known 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 putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that changing to solar energy allows Menlo Park homeowners to save an average of $1,000 every year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to arranging your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Menlo Park
Seek out Menlo Park solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
Owens Electric & Solar
Services Offered
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
Simply Solar
Services Offered
Highlight Solar
Services Offered
TN Electrical and Solar Services
Services Offered
Solar Bill Review
Services Offered
Soleeva
Services Offered
Complete Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Menlo Park?
The Menlo Park region enjoys plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are the key reasons to choose solar:
- Save on energy bills: You can lower your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Using your own power is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar shrinks 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 largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Menlo Park
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 Menlo Park?
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Drawing from data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Menlo Park typically costs $7,454.
How much can you save by going solar in Menlo Park?
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Menlo Park from going solar
In Menlo Park, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in Menlo Park is around 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Menlo Park: Homeowners in Menlo Park typically save an average of $1,010 per year by using solar energy, based on our analysis using data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- 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 $19,379 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Menlo Park from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 48 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Menlo Park?
Several solar incentives are available to Menlo Park homeowners. Some programs are available to all California residents, whereas others differ by utility company, municipality and city.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for 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 |
Rebate Program City of Palo Alto Utilities - Solar Water Heating Program | Single-family residential gas-displacing systems: $18.59 per therm displaced Single-family residential electricity or propane-displacing systems: $0.54 per kWh displaced Multifamily and Commercial gas-displacing systems: $14.53 per therm displaced Multifamily and Commercial electricity or propane-displacing systems: $0.42 per kWh displaced Low-Income Multifamily gas-displacing systems: $19.23/therm displaced Low-Income Multifamily Electric or Propane Displacing systems: $0.56/kWh 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 Menlo Park solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your 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 acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Trees, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage can increase the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed 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.
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