Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Transitioning to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation providers in Novato.
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. There are five different levels of solar contracting licenses in California: boilers, PV electrical, HVAC, thermal, and pool heating. To earn a license, an installer must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation problems such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Installing solar panels can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of home solar panels in Novato will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $3,470 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, labor, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Novato are 3.2 kilowatts, and the typical Novato homeowners spends $7,653 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
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) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are a number of advantages of 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 offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Novato, the average amount someone can save is $1,053 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to get paid for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
Of course. Solar panels exist independently from the power grid in Novato and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep in mind, however, that a solar system won't take you through a nighttime outage if you don't have a storage system. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
