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10 best solar companies in Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton. 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 Pleasanton, California requires you to select a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Pleasanton to help you find the perfect installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can go with a local Pleasanton solar company or choose an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels require a big initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables Pleasanton homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Pleasanton
When evaluating Pleasanton solar companies, find those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of consistent bad reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Complete Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Your Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Bill Review
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Kingdom Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Technologies
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunlight Electri-Cal Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
NorthStar Solar Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinity Energy
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.
Simply Solar
Got Watts?
Del Sol Energy
West Coast Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton and the surrounding area receive plenty of sunlight, which allows homeowners to utilize solar energy. Here are the top reasons for going solar:
- 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.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Pleasanton
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 Pleasanton?
According to 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 impacted by your sunlight availability, system size, shading, area, roof orientation and labor costs. Opting for extras such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
Based on statistics from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average expense to install solar panels in Pleasanton is $7,314.
How much can you save by going solar in Pleasanton?
Installing solar panels requires substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Pleasanton from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Pleasanton homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns 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), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Pleasanton is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pleasanton: Homeowners in Pleasanton typically save around $1,053 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our analysis using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $20,577 after switching fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Pleasanton from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are offered statewide to all California residents, whereas others differ based on utility company, municipality and city.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to 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 |
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 Pleasanton solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and might require bigger solar setups. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation 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?
For extra power storage, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, adding battery storage could increase overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements affect cost, when you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area 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
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