Best 10 Solar Companies in North Highlands, CA

North Highlands homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. Solar installers take a uniquely educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and customize it to their requirements. In this article, we'll highlight North Highlands' best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed dozens of North Highlands solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the finest:

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most North Highlands solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the North Highlands community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to North Highlands Homeowners?

California homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, tax credits and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in North Highlands

The price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, pool heaters, water heaters, HVAC, and boilers. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar installers can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in North Highlands

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

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

You can expect to pay about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in North Highlands. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much North Highlands solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in North Highlands

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

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