Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Folsom, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the largest dedicated residential solar companies in the United States, with a significant presence in California. They are known for their comprehensive service, from design to maintenance, and are a leader in solar leasing and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) options. Their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house monitoring provide a full-service experience.
A veteran-owned and operated company with a stellar reputation in the Greater Sacramento region, including Folsom. They are known for high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and expertise in both solar and battery backup systems. They are a certified installer for leading brands like Tesla and LG.
A highly-rated local provider based in Roseville that serves the entire Sacramento metro area, including Folsom. They offer a personalized approach, handling both the roofing and solar integration, which is a significant advantage for homeowners concerned about roof integrity. They are known for their design expertise and customer-centric process.
** The home solar market in Folsom, California, is **highly competitive and mature**. Driven by abundant sunshine, high electricity rates from SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District), and strong state-level incentives, the adoption rate is significant. The average quality of providers is high, as the competitive landscape has weeded out less reputable companies. Residents have access to a wide range of options, from national powerhouses like Sunrun to elite regional specialists like Semper Solaris and Citadel. Typical pricing for a residential system in Folsom is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $35,000** for an average-sized system (7-10 kW). SMUD offers specific rebates and programs that reputable local installers are intimately familiar with, making a local or regional provider a strong choice for navigating the incentive landscape effectively.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Folsom regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Folsom, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Folsom, the average gross cost ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Beyond the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Folsom homeowners benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) with SMUD, which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. While there is no state-wide rebate, SMUD occasionally offers specific energy efficiency or storage incentives, so checking their website directly is recommended.
Folsom's abundant sunshine, with over 260 clear days per year, is excellent for solar production, especially from spring through fall. However, extreme summer heat (often over 95°F) can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Systems are designed to account for this, and the long sun exposure during dry seasons typically results in high annual energy yields, significantly offsetting the high cooling costs from Folsom's hot summers.
All solar installations in Folsom require a building permit from the City of Folsom's Development Services Department. Your installer will typically handle this process, which must comply with the California Electrical Code and the California Building Code. Crucially, as Folsom is served by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), not PG&E, your system must be approved by SMUD for interconnection under their specific Net Energy Metering (NEM) tariff before you can activate it.
Prioritize local, established companies with extensive experience navigating SMUD's interconnection process and Folsom's permit requirements. Verify they are licensed (California CSLB C-46 or C-10), insured, and check reviews on independent platforms. Obtain multiple detailed quotes that compare equipment (panel/brand efficiency), warranty terms, and projected production specific to Folsom's weather patterns, not just the bottom-line price.
While not essential, adding battery storage is now highly advantageous under NEM 3.0 with SMUD. Batteries allow you to store excess solar power generated during the day and use it during the expensive evening peak hours (4-9 pm), maximizing self-consumption and insulating you from higher export rates. This is particularly valuable in Folsom for powering air conditioning during summer evenings and providing backup during potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in the region.