13 Best Solar Companies in Merced, CA (Feb 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Merced based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated January 20, 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 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 Technology
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Merced
Local Service
APG Solar
-
Can browse portfolio on website - Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
-
Some reported issues with customer services - Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
-
Solar Batteries - Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Extreme Solar Solutions
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Mid-State Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Some reported communication issues
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
SunLectric
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Custom system designs
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Honey's Air & Solar
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Apex Electric Inc
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Gold Electric Inc
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Offline Solar Electric
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Mid Matthews Construction
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Young's Air Conditioning
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Custom system designs
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solaron Pool Heating, Inc.
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
- Some reported issues with customer services
- Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Element Solar Panel Cleaning
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Speedy and efficient installations
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Simmitri Solar
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Solar Roof Shingles
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
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 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 Technology
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
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.