Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Bishop, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly respected, locally-owned and operated company with deep roots in the Eastern Sierra. They are known for exceptional customer service, high-quality craftsmanship, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, which are common in the rural areas around Bishop.
A well-established regional provider based in Northern California with a strong track record of projects across the state, including the Bishop area. They are praised for their professional project management, extensive manufacturer partnerships, and comprehensive service from consultation to maintenance.
A prominent solar provider with a significant presence in Eastern California and Nevada. They are known for making solar accessible through various financing options and for their strong focus on combining solar with battery storage for energy independence. They actively service the Bishop community.
** The home solar market in Bishop, California, is mature and competitive, characterized by high-quality, specialized providers. The combination of excellent solar irradiance and a local population that values energy independence and sustainability has fostered a strong solar industry. * **Average Quality:** The quality of providers serving Bishop is generally very high. Companies operating in this region often have specific expertise in off-grid and battery-backed systems due to the rural and sometimes remote nature of properties in the Eastern Sierra, which demands a higher level of engineering skill than standard grid-tied installations. * **Competition Level:** The market is not oversaturated but features several established, reputable players. Competition is based on reputation, specialized technical knowledge, and customer service rather than on price alone. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with the California average. For a standard grid-tied residential system (6kW - 8kW), homeowners can expect a gross price between **$18,000 and $28,000** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and any other local incentives. Systems with battery storage (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery) will significantly increase the total cost but are a common and valuable addition in this area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Bishop regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Bishop, California.
Bishop's exceptionally sunny climate is ideal for solar, typically yielding higher annual energy production than coastal California areas. However, high summer temperatures can temporarily reduce panel efficiency, a factor good installers account for by designing systems with slight overcapacity. Winter production remains strong due to clear skies, though shorter days and potential snow dustings (which usually melt quickly) are seasonal considerations for system sizing and angle.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical Bishop home system costs between $15,000-$25,000, with regional pricing influenced by local labor and logistics. Key incentives include the federal tax credit, California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0), and property tax exclusions for added home value. Financing options include solar loans, leases, and PPAs, with local providers like Bishop-based Inyo County Solar offering tailored plans.
Installations require a permit from the City of Bishop or Inyo County Building Department, which follows the California Electrical Code and local ordinances. Your chosen contractor typically handles this process. Crucially, your system must be approved by Southern California Edison (SCE), the local utility, for interconnection under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program to receive bill credits.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in the Eastern Sierra, as they understand specific wind/snow loads, SCE processes, and Inyo County permitting. Verify they are California C-10 or C-46 licensed contractors, insured, and check reviews on platforms like Yelp or the California Contractors State License Board. Ask for references from recent Bishop installations and detailed production estimates for your home.
Yes, a properly sized system can significantly offset high cooling costs. A professional energy audit and system design will analyze your past SCE bills to size a system that meets your summer peak demand while optimizing for annual production under NEM 3.0. Pairing solar with energy efficiency upgrades (like attic insulation) is highly recommended in Bishop to maximize savings and comfort.