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10 best solar companies in San Leandro, 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 San Leandro. 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 San Leandro, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the right installer, we've gathered a list of the leading solar companies in San Leandro.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, assess potential companies and collect multiple quotes to identify the best company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in San Leandro or use a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that changing to solar energy allows San Leandro homeowners to save an average of $1,100 every year.
Many solar companies offer different services. Be sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in San Leandro
When evaluating San Leandro solar companies, find those with at least 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).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Complete Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Bill Review
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
NorthStar Solar Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Technologies
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GRID Alternatives
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Got Watts?
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.
Source Energy
Your Energy Solutions
Sunlight Electri-Cal Solutions
Save a Lot Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Leandro?
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like San Leandro, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for adopting solar power:
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to reduce your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about San Leandro
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 San Leandro?
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the average cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you select any extras like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
As per numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in San Leandro has an average cost of $7,314.
How much can you save by going solar in San Leandro?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Money savings in San Leandro from going solar
In San Leandro, 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 impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, San Leandro's average payback period for solar is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in San Leandro: San Leandro homeowners can anticipate saving about $1,053 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- 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 $20,577 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in San Leandro from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected 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 San Leandro?
San Leandro homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are provided statewide to all California residents, whereas others vary based on municipality, city and utility company.
Here are solar incentives accessible for California residents, as listed by 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 San Leandro solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a larger system. 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?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Nearby trees, rain and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be helpful for avoiding outages during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, 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
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