Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best solar companies in Los Altos, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Los Altos. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Los Altos, California, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve compiled a list of the best solar companies in Los Altos.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Los Altos or decide on an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Los Altos homeowners to save an average of $1,000 annually.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should assess different companies and get quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Los Altos
Look for Los Altos 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. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Highlight Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
TN Electrical and Solar Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Clean Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Soleeva
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Shadowfax Roofing and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Simply Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Sunternal
Bright World
NRG Clean Power
Freedom Solar, Inc
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Los Altos?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Los Altos, can still use solar power. The top reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy enables you to charge electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
Facts about Los Altos
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 Los Altos?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your sunlight availability, roof orientation, area, labor costs, shading and system size. Opting for accessories such as batteries, animal guards or solar trackers will raise the overall cost.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, installing solar panels in Los Altos averages around $7,249.
How much can you save by going solar in Los Altos?
While solar panel installation can be a big initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Los Altos from going solar
In Los Altos, you can anticipate saving money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup 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 Los Altos is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Los Altos: Los Altos homeowners can expect to save about $1,010 per year on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of 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 $19,541 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Los Altos from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 49 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1225 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Los Altos?
Homeowners in Los Altos can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all California residents, and others are based on your municipality, utility company and city.
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 |
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 Los Altos solar installer?
Take time to think through 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. Bigger households use more electricity and may require bigger solar setups. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage may increase the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space 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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27