Best 10 Solar Companies in Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove residents are purposeful about preserving its natural resources and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A professional solar company can help you install and tune a system that matches your energy needs without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll show you Elk Grove's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar contractors near Elk Grove, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Elk Grove solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Elk Grove community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Elk Grove Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Elk Grove

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, pool heaters, water heaters, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Elk Grove

The style of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Elk Grove. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Elk Grove

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Elk Grove.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy