Best Solar Panels for Homes in Bakersfield, CA

How to choose solar energy companies in Bakersfield

With its high number of sunny days, it’s not surprising that California ranks first in the U.S. for solar installations and second for utility savings created by using solar energy systems. There are more than 850,000 solar installations statewide, and Kern County is slated to become the home of the largest commercial solar installation in the state.

Solar energy is gaining popularity for several reasons. Installing a solar energy system reduces your dependence on fossil fuels and reduces pollution. Using a solar energy system also allows you to save money on utility bills. In the past five years, the price of solar energy systems has dropped 47 percent, making them more attractive to many California homeowners.

California gets 16 percent of its energy from solar sources. Billions of dollars in investments boost the California solar industry, which ranks first in the U.S. for projected growth. Bakersfield homeowners can benefit from the excellent solar potential of California’s Central Valley, famous for its plentiful sunshine and relatively smooth topography.

In Bakersfield, many neighborhoods have single-family homes that can save money with solar panel installations. Owners of townhomes and condo developments in Central Bakersfield might consider community solar installations that benefit every resident of the building.

Financing a solar energy system in Bakersfield

Homeowners have several options for financing a solar energy system:

• Lease: Some Bakersfield companies will lease solar energy systems. While the recurring costs will prevent you from receiving maximum savings, leasing can be a good way to get a solar energy system for little or no money down.
• Power purchase agreement (PPA): Under a PPA, a solar energy developer will install a solar energy system on a customer’s home and then sell the energy to the customer at a fixed rate that is usually lower than the local utility’s company rate.
• Purchase upfront: Purchasing the equipment upfront is the most expensive option initially, but it lets you enjoy the benefits of energy savings immediately with no additional costs for the system other than regular maintenance.
• Financing: Many companies offer financing options to purchase solar energy systems. These plans reduce your upfront cost while also providing you with the higher savings that come from owning your system.

Most solar energy companies in Bakersfield provide free estimates for installing or purchasing a solar energy system. The cost will depend on how much power you need it to produce and typically ranges between $7,200 to $28,800. The average cost for a solar energy system in Bakersfield is $17,150.

The California Solar Initiative provides a variety of incentives to homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations for solar energy production. Federal tax credits might also apply for solar investments. Go Solar California is a comprehensive resource for consumers considering solar energy.

In Bakersfield, a law requires Pacific Gas & Electric to provide net metering for its solar customers. With net metering, any excess energy produced by your solar energy system is put into the energy grid and subtracted from the amount of non-solar energy you obtain from the utility. You are only billed for the difference.

Installing solar energy systems in Bakersfield

Solar panels are installed on your home’s roof or the ground. If your roof space is limited because of shade, size, angle or protrusions, a ground array may be a better option. There are two types of ground-mounted solar arrays: standard arrays that are fixed at one angle or manually adjusted, or pole-mounted arrays that have an axis system that moves according to the time of day and year.

Most residential solar energy installations use polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar panels. Which one you use may depend on your location, solar energy system provider and budget.

Polycrystalline vs. Monocrystalline panels

Most solar energy companies in Bakersfield provide a free consultation to determine if your home is suitable for a solar energy system and what system will work best on your property. After your provider installs the system, your utility company will perform an inspection and give permission to operate the system.

Maintaining and repairing solar energy systems in Bakersfield

When you purchase or lease a system, the solar company installs the panels and equipment. If you’re leasing your system or operating under a PPA, the solar company maintains the equipment. Homeowners are responsible for system maintenance for purchased systems.

Your solar energy system may be covered by your homeowners insurance or home warranty. Ask your provider if your plans extend to a solar energy system and under what conditions.