Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in McKinleyville. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, add value to your property, and decrease your carbon footprint. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in McKinleyville. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to lower electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is trustworthy.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. There are five specific types of solar contracting licenses in California: boilers, PV electrical, HVAC, thermal, and pool heating. To earn licensure, a contractor must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams.
Check consumer review platforms like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with installers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in McKinleyville varies depending on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system could range from $3,470 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, permit fees, or labor. Most solar systems in McKinleyville are 3.2 kilowatts, and the typical McKinleyville homeowners spends $7,877 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
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.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Amount:
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.
Incentive Amount:
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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in California being very mild, you have significant leeway to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
The best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in McKinleyville. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you could thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
