Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Auburn, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company with a stellar reputation for high-quality custom solar installations. They are known for their expert design consultation and focus on both residential and commercial projects. Their long tenure in the area means they have deep knowledge of local permit requirements and incentives.
A well-established local branch of a larger regional installer, offering a strong blend of corporate buying power and community-focused service. They excel at explaining financing options and streamlining the process for homeowners, from initial assessment to interconnection with PG&E.
A large, multi-state provider known for bundling solar installation with roofing services. This can be a significant advantage for homeowners concerned about roof integrity or those needing a new roof alongside their solar installation. They offer comprehensive maintenance and repair packages.
** The home solar market in Auburn, California, is **highly competitive and mature**. The city's high number of sunny days, combined with some of the highest residential electricity rates in the nation from PG&E, creates a strong economic incentive for homeowners to adopt solar. * **Average Quality:** The market is bifurcated. There are several top-tier, long-standing local and regional installers (like those listed above) known for high-quality equipment and craftsmanship. Simultaneously, there is significant competition from national sales-focused companies, which can vary in installation quality and customer service. * **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners in Auburn are frequently solicited by solar companies. This competition can lead to aggressive sales tactics but also drives competitive pricing and a wide array of financing options. * **Typical Pricing:** As a general benchmark, a standard residential system in Auburn ranges from **$3.00 to $4.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a typical gross cost of **$18,000 to $27,000 for a 6kW system**. Pricing is highly dependent on system complexity, equipment choice (premium vs. standard panels), and roof type. Most reputable companies offer $0-down loan and lease options, making solar accessible without large upfront payments.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Auburn regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Auburn, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Auburn, the average gross cost ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, you benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) with PG&E, which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid, and there are no local property tax increases for solar installations due to the state's solar property tax exclusion.
Auburn's climate is excellent for solar, with over 260 sunny days per year providing strong, consistent production, especially in the dry summer months. While winter brings cooler temperatures and some rain, modern panels are efficient in cool, sunny weather, and the occasional snowfall on the ridge areas is typically light and melts quickly, causing minimal production loss.
Yes, installation requires permits from the Placer County Building Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process, which includes submitting plans for structural and electrical review to ensure compliance with the California Electrical Code and local building codes. The process is generally straightforward for standard rooftop systems but can take a few weeks.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience who are familiar with Placer County's permit process, PG&E interconnection, and Auburn's specific roofing considerations (like potential wildfire zone compliance). Look for a licensed C-10 or C-46 contractor, check reviews on local platforms, and get multiple detailed quotes that clearly explain system design, equipment warranties, and projected savings under PG&E's NEM 3.0.
A standard grid-tied solar system automatically shuts off during a PG&E outage for safety. To have power during PSPS events or wildfires, you must pair your solar panels with a dedicated battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a common and highly valuable upgrade for Auburn homeowners, providing essential backup power and increasing energy independence.