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10 best solar companies in Martinez, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Martinez. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Martinez, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've gathered a list of the leading solar companies in Martinez.
Before settling on an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in Martinez or pick an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Martinez homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Martinez
When looking into Martinez solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunrun Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
1215 Striker Ave Ste 120, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 547-5250
www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/sacr...
Got Watts?
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
High Definition Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
solarXperts
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Source Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Air and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sol R Us
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.
Solar Optimum
Skytech Solar
CivicSolar, Inc
Save a Lot Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Martinez?
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Martinez, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the top reasons for adopting solar power:
- 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) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by switching to solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the optimal method to guarantee your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Martinez
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 Martinez?
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you select accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Per statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Martinez is $7,395.
How much can you save by going solar in Martinez?
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Martinez from going solar
In Martinez, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover 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 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 Martinez is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Martinez: Based on numbers that leverage data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA, Martinez homeowners save around $1,053 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $20,513 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Martinez from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces 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.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Martinez?
A variety of solar incentives are offered to Martinez homeowners. Various programs are open to all California residents, though others vary by utility company, city and municipality.
The following solar incentives are available for California residents, according to 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 Martinez solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
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 will potentially require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system could struggle 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 permits by your state. You'll need to obtain 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 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 more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
For extra power storage, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature is invaluable during storms and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage could increase setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements affect cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used 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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