15 Best Solar Companies in El Rio, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in El Rio based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for El Rio, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average El Rio homeowner saves $2,097/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in El Rio
Thinking of going solar but not sure which solar company would be the best one for you? Although it can be challenging to pick a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many good benefits. With an average energy bill of $1,185 per month in El Rio, switching to solar power can lower your monthly bills by about that much.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the top options in your area.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in El Rio, click the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in El Rio
United Electric, Solar & Plumbing
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
Coastal Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Maintenance
Codella Solar & Associates
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Cleaning
Sespe Power Solutions
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Tesla Powerwall
- Residential Panels
Santa Barbara Solar Group
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
KOTA Energy Group
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
Solar by Infinity
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Quantum Solar Designs, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Pacific Electric Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Maintenance
United Solar & Electric Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
AFC Plumbing & Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Emergency Services
- Skilled Repairs
Crown Solar Electric, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Imperial Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
Imperium Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Greenpire Inc
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in El Rio
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in El Rio based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in El Rio
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in El Rio
The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased significantly over the past few years, but it’s still a significant investment for most homeowners.Some significant things that affect the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, along with your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can generate.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $25,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- The type of solar panels you want to get: Some are more costly, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- How much you spend on energy: The average household in El Rio pays around $1,200 a year on energy use alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
There are several good benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in El Rio
Because solar power is better for the environment than traditional energy sources, there are various government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other state and city incentives. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in El Rio.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in El Rio
Switching to solar energy can have a meaningful effect on the environment.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? One thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time on the road and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and makes electricity without a carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help the planet.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's El Rio, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in El Rio is United Electric, Solar & Plumbing, with a rating of 4.90 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.3 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget and how much energy generation you want.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.