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 is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Oakland homeowners. Going solar helps cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing providers, we put together a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Oakland. These installers have a reputation for dependable quality service.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
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 reduce electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is trustworthy.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Tennessee requires any solar energy project valued at $25,000 or higher to be overseen by a licensed "prime contractor." The prime contractor is responsible for hiring licensed subcontractors as the project demands. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you will still need an electrical journeyman or master electrician to handle permit work.
Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Be cautious of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Solar power can help decrease your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
The average Oakland homeowner will spend around $19,292 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Oakland cost approximately $3,580 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 7.7 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees, and will account for your system's panel type, capacity, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Depends upon sector
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar panels, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Tennessee being very mild, you have significant leeway to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.
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 Oakland, the average amount someone can save is $879 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Oakland, meaning your payback period could last 21.9 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the Oakland area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Ultimately, the answer will depend 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 let your insurer know 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.
