15 Best Solar Companies in Merced, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 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
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Merced
When choosing between the best solar companies, Merced homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power less confusing. Solar power isn't just good for the planet — your bank account will thank you too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $33,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
As you set out on your search for the best solar companies in Merced, you might notice that there are many providers to choose between. So, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Merced, you can click "get quote" below.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Merced
SunPower by Quality Home Services
Reliable Customer Support- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Tesla Powerwall- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
APG Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
Clear Solar Solutions, Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Solar Installation Group, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Brighthouse
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Supreme Solar & Electric
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
Together Earth
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
SunMade Energy - Fresno Solar Company and Backup Battery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Better Solar Solution
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Solar Negotiators
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Bright World, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Stellar Solar, Inc.
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
US Renewable Energy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Offline Solar Electric
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Upscale Energy Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
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
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will first need to pay to install your panels.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Merced doesn’t use much energy, and consequently may not see as many savings on their power bills.
- Incentives: Something that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your energy bills, which can result in an average of $33,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your income and budget: This affects what type of solar panels you can buy.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the size of your house and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Merced
Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you a lot of money in the long term due to reduced energy bills and government incentives.In addition to the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Merced
Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a compelling way to do what you can for a greener future.A question many might be thinking about is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? An important thing to be mindful of is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving to work, your footprint may be bigger, so switching to solar energy for your home can help offset that.While solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Merced, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll likely find that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Merced, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Merced is SunPower by Quality Home Services, with a rating of 4.70 stars.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be bad 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 to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 7.1 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for your home's energy needs.
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.