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10 best solar companies in San Lorenzo, 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 Lorenzo. 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 Lorenzo, California, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the best installer, we've gathered a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in San Lorenzo.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, review the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in San Lorenzo or choose a leading national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels call for a major upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables San Lorenzo homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all offer identical services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in San Lorenzo
Look for San Lorenzo solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Bill Review
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Complete Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Technologies
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
NorthStar Solar Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunlight Electri-Cal Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Your Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
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.
Got Watts?
Owens Electric & Solar
GRID Alternatives
Source Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Lorenzo?
The San Lorenzo region gets plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the key reasons to go solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a large source 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 purchased from utility companies.
Facts about San Lorenzo
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 Lorenzo?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, shading, sunlight availability, roof orientation, labor costs and system size. Opting for bonus features such as batteries, animal guards or solar trackers will raise the overall cost.
Drawing from data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in San Lorenzo averages around $7,314.
How much can you save by going solar in San Lorenzo?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in San Lorenzo from going solar
Homeowners in San Lorenzo who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, San Lorenzo's average payback period for solar is 6 years.
- Annual solar savings in San Lorenzo: San Lorenzo homeowners can anticipate saving around $1,053 annually on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $20,577 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in San Lorenzo from going solar
Not only does switching 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 Lorenzo?
San Lorenzo homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are offered statewide to all California residents, while others depend on utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to 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 Lorenzo solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate 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 obtain the proper 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. Tree coverage, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be helpful for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements influence 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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