Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Empire, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar and HVAC provider known for comprehensive in-house services, from custom design and installation to maintenance. They are a Premier SunPower Dealer, giving them access to some of the industry's most efficient solar panels and robust warranties. Their strength lies in a turnkey approach and deep knowledge of California-specific incentives like the NEM 3.0 policy.
A well-established local company that has built a strong reputation in the Central Valley for residential solar. They focus heavily on customer education and custom system design to maximize energy savings. They offer a wide array of financing options, including leases, PPAs, and loans, and are experts in navigating the ITC (Federal Tax Credit) and local utility programs.
While also a premier HVAC contractor, Sierra Pacific has a dedicated and highly-rated solar division. They are particularly strong in integrating solar energy systems with whole-home energy efficiency, offering assessments to ensure homes are optimized before solar installation. Their service area prominently includes the Empire and greater Stanislaus County region.
** The home solar market in and around Empire, CA, is robust and competitive, characterized by a mix of strong regional installers and larger national companies vying for business in the Central Valley. The high number of sunshine days and historically high electricity rates from PG&E make solar an attractive investment for homeowners. Following the implementation of NEM 3.0 in April 2023, the market has shifted significantly towards solar-plus-battery storage systems to maximize financial returns, a specialty of the top local providers. The average competition level is high, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region, before incentives, generally ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**, heavily dependent on system size (kW), panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. The top local contractors distinguish themselves through superior design expertise, knowledge of the new net metering policy, strong manufacturer relationships, and comprehensive post-installation service and maintenance support.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Empire regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Empire, California.
For a typical Empire home, a 6kW solar system averages between $15,000 and $20,000 before incentives. Crucially, California homeowners are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and Empire residents also benefit from net metering with PG&E, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid. While there are no specific city-level incentives, the state's high electricity rates make the payback period relatively short.
Empire's climate is ideal for solar, with over 260 sunny days per year providing excellent energy production. The hot, dry summers mean your system will generate abundant power to offset high AC usage. While extreme summer heat can temporarily reduce panel efficiency, modern panels are designed to handle this, and the consistent sun far outweighs any minor seasonal dips.
Yes, you must obtain a building permit from the City of Empire's Community Development Department. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. From signing a contract to system activation, the entire timeline for an Empire home is typically 2 to 4 months, which includes permitting, PG&E interconnection approval, installation, and the final city inspection.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Empire and Stanislaus County, as they will be familiar with specific city permit requirements and PG&E's interconnection process. Ensure they are a licensed C-10 electrical contractor or work with one, check for strong reviews from Central Valley neighbors, and get multiple detailed quotes that clearly outline equipment, warranties, and production estimates for your home.
Under California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), PG&E credits you for excess solar energy sent to the grid, but at a lower export rate than the retail price you pay for imports. This makes pairing your system with a home battery, like a Tesla Powerwall, highly advantageous in Empire to store excess daytime power for use in the evening. You will still receive a small monthly bill from PG&E for connection fees, but your charges for energy consumption will be drastically reduced or eliminated.