11 Best Solar Companies in Merced, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Merced based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Merced, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Merced homeowner saves $2,740/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Merced
When you're trying to find the best solar companies in Merced, going through so many options can be overwhelming, but it can pay off since switching to solar energy can offer so many fantastic perks. While solar power is a great investment, you'll be able to make that money back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $33,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we'll tell you about the top Merced solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's clean energy needs. If you'd like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the top Merced solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Merced
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Cenergy Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
Phoenix Renewable Services
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Business installations
Hydro Klean
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
APG Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Extreme Solar Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Merced
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Merced 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 Merced
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 Merced
For the majority of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar energy depends the most on the cost. The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can noticeably decrease, or completely eliminate, your utility bills. In Merced, you can save an average of $85 a month.
- Your city: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Your income and budget: This affects what kind of solar panels you can afford.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you'd like to lower your electricity costs, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Merced homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Merced
If you're planning on switching to solar energy, several government incentives and subsidies can greatly lower the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment. These incentives usually take the form of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can reduce the cost you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can benefit from in Merced.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Merced
There are a few key reasons why many people are considering solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits. You may be wondering — how much does going solar help the planet anyway? 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 install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. When you go solar, your carbon emissions can be lowered by about 50 pounds every year. For people who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Merced, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Merced?
The top local solar company in Merced is APG Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are a few of the main pros and cons of switching to solar?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, totally cut your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 5.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how many watts of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.