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10 best solar companies in San Mateo, 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 Mateo. 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 Mateo, California, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the top solar companies in San Mateo.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for you. You can pick a local San Mateo solar company or select a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can reduce your energy expenses in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables San Mateo homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,100.
Various solar companies offer different services. 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 San Mateo
Look for San Mateo solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Owens Electric & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Bill Review
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Complete Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GRID Alternatives
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Infinium Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Your Energy Solutions
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?
Save a Lot Solar
TN Electrical and Solar Services
NorthStar Solar Inc
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Mateo?
San Mateo and the neighboring areas receive abundant sunshine, which allows homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. Major reasons to adopt solar power include these:
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about San Mateo
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 Mateo?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you select add-ons like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In San Mateo, solar panel installation costs approximately $7,454, per data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How much can you save by going solar in San Mateo?
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in San Mateo from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, San Mateo homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing 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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo: San Mateo homeowners can anticipate saving around $1,053 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- 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 around $20,467 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in San Mateo 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 approximated 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 Mateo?
San Mateo homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all California residents, while others differ based on utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives to 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 San Mateo solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Trees, rainfall and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries conserve extra energy, which can be helpful for preventing power loss in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements affect cost, how soon 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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