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10 best solar companies in Richmond, 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond, California, you'll need a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the leading solar companies in Richmond to help you find the right one.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to identify the right company for you. You can pick a local Richmond solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Richmond homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Different solar companies offer different products. Take the time to look at each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Richmond
Focus your search on Richmond solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a good 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 make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Pac Solar Corporation
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
Save a Lot Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GRID Alternatives
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
Got Watts?
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
High Definition Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
solarXperts
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bay Valley Solar Roofing
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.
Earthwise Energy
SolarCraft
Sun First Solar
Source Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Richmond?
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like Richmond, can still utilize solar energy. Here are the top reasons for going solar:
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by adopting 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 conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- 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 ensure your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Richmond
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 Richmond?
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the typical cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Richmond averages around $7,395.
How much can you save by going solar in Richmond?
While installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Money savings in Richmond from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Richmond 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 average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in Richmond 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 Richmond: Based on numbers that leverage data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy, Richmond homeowners save around $1,053 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $20,513 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Richmond from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, moving 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 Richmond?
Richmond homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are offered statewide to all California residents, whereas others vary based on utility company, city and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives for California homeowners, as stated by 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 |
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 Richmond solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a solar installation expert.
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 might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to the necessary 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 have the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements influence cost, when 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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