15 Best Solar Companies in Nevada City, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Nevada City based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Nevada City, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Nevada City homeowner saves $2,520/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Nevada City
As a homeowner or business owner in Nevada City, you may be interested in switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a great idea since it has lots of perks. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $30,000 on your power bills.
To help you navigate through the huge variety of Nevada City solar installers, we've come up with a list of the top ones. We suggest shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get started with free quotes from the best solar installers in Nevada City, click the link below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Nevada City
Sunrun Solar
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Free Quotes - Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Integrated roofing - Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
Pioneer Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Sustainable Energy Group
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
Good Sun
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Sierra Solar Cleaners
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
California Solar Electric Cooperative Corporation
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
DC Solar Electric Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Plan It Sierra Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Foothill Electric
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Sunriver Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
CitiGreen, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
ES Electric & Solar, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
Cali Solar - Lincoln Solar Panel Installation Contractor
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Astro Air Design & Solar Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Eagle Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Nevada City
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Nevada City 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 Nevada City
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 Nevada City
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to choose depends on total costs. There are a few factors you should consider when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn't see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to produce as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than someone with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Incentives: Something that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can result in an average of $30,000 of savings over 20 years.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost investment for homes that don't need too much energy each month.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Nevada City
Because solar power is a cleaner source of energy than burning fossil fuels, there are various government incentives available to encourage its adoption. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local incentives, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. You can learn about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Nevada City
An important reason so many people consider switching to solar power is to help bring down their environmental impact. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help by going solar? If your family uses a lot of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar energy. While solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Nevada City, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Nevada City, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Nevada City?
The best local solar company in Nevada City is Sustainable Energy Group, with a rating of 4.01 stars.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels need a large upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Although summer is the most common time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.