Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Coloma, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local electrical contractor with a dedicated solar division. They are known for personalized service, deep knowledge of local permitting and incentives (including those specific to El Dorado County), and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid battery systems, which is valuable for Coloma's semi-rural setting.
A large, well-established company that provides integrated roofing and solar services. Their key strength is being a one-stop shop for homeowners needing a new roof alongside their solar installation. They offer robust financing and leasing options and have extensive experience with the manufacturer partnerships and warranties.
As one of the nation's largest dedicated solar and battery storage providers, Sunrun offers significant advantages in financing, technology, and service plans. They are a top choice for homeowners preferring a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or lease with little to no upfront cost. Their strong local market presence ensures they are familiar with Coloma's specific needs.
** The home solar market in and around Coloma, CA, is characterized by a mix of high-quality regional specialists and large national providers. Due to Coloma's location in the Sierra Nevada foothills, there is a strong emphasis on systems that can handle variable weather and potential grid reliability issues. This makes battery storage solutions (like the Tesla Powerwall or Sunrun's Brightbox) a particularly popular and valuable add-on. The **competition level is moderate to high**, with several established companies from Placerville and the Sacramento region actively competing for business in El Dorado County. This competition benefits homeowners through competitive pricing and a range of service options. **Typical pricing** is in line with the California average, which is approximately **$2.80 to $3.40 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. For an average 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of $16,800 - $20,400. The quality of service is generally high, as companies operating in this market must navigate specific local ordinances and the technical challenges of the terrain, which naturally filters out less capable installers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Coloma regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Coloma, California.
For a typical Coloma home, a residential solar system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives, with exact pricing depending on your energy usage and roof characteristics. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) allows you to earn credits for excess energy sent to the grid. While there is no specific Coloma city incentive, all California homeowners benefit from the state's property tax exclusion for solar systems, ensuring your property taxes won't increase due to the installation.
Coloma's abundant sunshine, especially from late spring through early fall, is ideal for solar production, often exceeding system estimates during peak months. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours more than compensate. Winter months may see reduced output due to shorter days, occasional fog in the valley, and potential shading from leafless trees, but a properly sized system is designed to account for this seasonal variation to meet your annual energy needs.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in El Dorado County, as they will be familiar with the specific permitting process with the County Building Department and any potential requirements related to historical or scenic areas. Ensure they are a licensed California C-10 or C-46 contractor. It's also wise to choose a company with a strong track record of handling the interconnection process with PG&E, your local utility, to ensure a smooth transition to net metering.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from El Dorado County, the physical installation (which usually takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and "Permission to Operate" from PG&E. The county permitting and PG&E interconnection phases are the most variable; an experienced local installer will navigate these efficiently, but delays can occur during peak seasons.
Modern grid-tied solar systems are required to automatically shut down during a power outage for safety, meaning you will not have power unless you invest in a paired battery storage system. Given Coloma's location and PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall or similar is a highly recommended consideration. This provides backup power during outages, allows you to use your solar energy at night, and can improve your economics under the current NEM 3.0 rules.