Why You Should Go Solar in Sacramento

Going solar in Sacramento

Updated November 26, 2021

If you need a new energy source, look no further than the sun. Solar power is an efficient way to provide much-needed energy to your home without impacting the environment. 

Have you been curious or looking for information about how to go solar in Sacramento? This post will examine why homeowners should install solar panels in Sacramento and how they can do it!

Sacramento: Capital of California

Sacramento has long been California’s state capital, but recently it has grown to become one of the fastest-growing cities in America. So you may be surprised to learn that Sacramento is also home to a large percentage of solar panels.

The weather helps! Sacramento is known for being hot, but it has beautiful mild winters for a region close to the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for homeowners to reap the benefits of solar energy year-round. In addition, Sacramento has 269 sunny days per year, so you can be sure that solar panels in Sacramento will provide a great deal of energy for you!

The solar industry makes sense in Sacramento due to it being a high-traffic area. Furthermore, people visit from all over California and the rest of the US, so there is plenty of potential for new business growth and plenty of need for energy production.

This also means that Sacramento is a very environmentally-conscious city. Since residents are accustomed to living in an area with plenty of green space, they are eager to protect what little quality land remains out there.

Why You Should Go Solar in Sacramento

There are several reasons to install solar panels if you live in Sacramento. 

Solar energy is a sustainable energy source that never runs out! It’s a fantastic way to save money on your power bill. There are rebates and tax credits available for all households who go solar! There’s no need to worry about where the next electricity supply will come from because you generate all the energy you need right at your house! Additionally, by using eco-friendly power, you may help reduce global warming. 

Sacramento offers plenty of incentives and rebates to help homeowners go green and save money.   To learn more about the different options, speak with a professional specializing in solar panels in Sacramento. The solar energy expert can help you decide what’s best for your home or business. 

How to Get Started Going Solar in Sacramento

If you’re thinking of converting your home to solar power, there are a few things you should know before making your purchase. First, it’s critical to determine if your structure is suitable for solar energy before beginning in Sacramento. 

Energy Audit

The first thing you should do is have an energy audit done. This will give you a clear picture of where your energy consumption comes from and how much each type consumes.

If the auditor determines that solar power may work for your building, they can prepare a report describing how much it would cost and how much square footage of panels you’ll need. Because solar panels have a lifespan of up to 30 years, it’s reasonable to expect that you will reap the benefits for many years to come!

Choose an Installer

You should choose an installer that has a good reputation in your area.  Many people are interested in solar energy to lower their utility bills, so your installer must be knowledgeable and experienced.

The installer should have extensive knowledge about any rebates or tax credits available for your area. This way, you can make sure you receive the most money back on your investment.

You should also look at some of the installer’s previous work and see if they have good Yelp, BBB, and Google reviews.

It’s time to haggle over the price of your installation once you’ve chosen your installer. Ensure this is resolved before any signatures are obtained so that there are no unpleasant surprises later on. It’s also a good idea to double-check the small print and make sure your system comes with a warranty and any other services (like maintenance) that you may need in the future.

Installation Day

Once installation day comes, you should expect construction to take about two weeks. Solar panels will be installed on your roof or other exposed areas of your property. If all the necessary approvals are obtained, construction may start right away.

You should ask your installer for information about maintaining and taking care of your new solar energy system. Even though the installer will be fully responsible for the maintenance, you should take basic precautions like keeping trees and other objects far from the panels. Also, make sure that no one stands near or around the boards while they’re operating because they can become extremely hot!

Saving with Solar in Sacramento

In Sacramento, CA, the typical solar panel cost is $2.88 per watt as of November 2021. An average solar installation in Sacramento, CA costs between $12,240 and $16,560 based on a 5 kW system size, with the overall average gross price for solar in Sacramento being $14,400. 

After you deduct the 26% federal solar tax credit, the California state rebate of $2.25/watt, and a utility company rebate, Sacramento homeowners can pay as little as $1.27 per watt for solar panels.

Paying for Solar Panels

Paying for solar panels is the biggest question that people will need to answer, and there are a few options to consider:

  • Finance Solar Panels
  • Leasing of Solar Panels
  • Solar Power Purchase Agreements
  • Cash

Financing Solar Panels

Financing is typically the best choice if you own your home. Making solar payments quick and straightforward is a benefit of owning your house. In addition, property owners may take advantage of federal tax incentives, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and receive special discounts from licensed energy companies that work with reputable solar panel installers. 

Leasing of Solar Panels

You could also consider leasing a solar power system to save money on your energy bills. This means you pay a flat fee each month rather than paying for the equipment in installments. Some leases come with a monthly payment plan, while others need an upfront investment. Leasing is perfect for individuals who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on solar panels or want to take out a loan for their new purchase.

Solar Power Purchase Agreements

You can also look into Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) if you’re not ready to buy your system yet or want long-term stability from a reputable provider. A PPA is a type of contract in which you purchase power from a specific solar firm through limited agreements that last for up to 20 years, allowing homeowners to reap the benefits of renewable energy without having to worry about installation expenses.

Cash

Cash is a fantastic alternative for those who can pay in full and want a more streamlined approach. Solar providers generally have a staff of specialists ready to assist you with your purchase, so no matter which path you take, going solar should be pretty simple!

Incentives for Going Solar in Sacramento

Solar incentives in Sacramento, such as rebates and tax credits, are essential to solar power’s financial advantages. They help the environment by reducing carbon emissions while also generating a financial return on investment. Furthermore, recent years have seen solar energy become more accessible and cost-effective, adding to these economic incentives.

Rebates and Tax Credits

The City of Sacramento offers rebate incentives for homeowners who decide to go solar, and the incentive amounts are based on the amount of electricity saved over 20 years. The total rebate sits at $2,000 per kilowatt of capacity, while 50% comes in the form of an up-front credit of $1,000 per kilowatt. The base incentive for home solar panels in Sacramento is available until December 31, 2022, 

The US government also gives out multiple federal tax incentives for solar in Sacramento. These include immediate and deferred tax credits for energy production, including improving existing solar systems. Buying residential green power is also eligible for deductions which can be applied on top of these federal tax credits when filing income taxes at year’s end.

Go Solar In Sacramento Today!

Going solar is one of the greatest future-proof investments you can make in not just your own home, but our planet’s future as well.

There are several clear win-wins when considering going solar, so why wait? Going solar will save you money and help save the planet! Looking to save in Sacramento? Go solar today!   If you live closer to the Bay Area, be sure to read our article ‘Why you should go solar in the Bay Area‘.