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 Mountain View, 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 Mountain View. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Mountain View, California, you'll need a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Mountain View to help you find the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Mountain View or opt for 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 significant initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy allows Mountain View homeowners to save an average of $980 annually.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Mountain View
Focus your search on Mountain View solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Highlight Solar
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
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Soleeva
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Shadowfax Roofing and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bright World
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.
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Sunternal
NRG Clean Power
Freedom Solar, Inc
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Mountain View?
The Mountain View region enjoys plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to choose solar:
- Save on energy bills: You can lower your energy bills by switching to solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to supply your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Mountain View
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 Mountain View?
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the typical cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price increases if you select any accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
As per numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Mountain View has an average cost of $7,249.
How much can you save by going solar in Mountain View?
Putting in solar panels calls for substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through significant reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Mountain View from going solar
In Mountain View, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely 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 average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in Mountain View is approximately 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 Mountain View: On average, Mountain View homeowners can save $975 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: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $18,683 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Mountain View from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Mountain View?
Mountain View homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are offered statewide to all California residents, and others depend on city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives for 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 |
Leasing Program Santa Clara Water & Sewer - Solar Water Heating Program | See Website |
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 Mountain View solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could affect your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage could increase setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels 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