The Best Home Solar in Jackson, CA

Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Jackson, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.

#1

Sunpower by Starlight Solar

4.8
(150 reviews)
Verified

A leading local provider that is part of the national SunPower Master Dealer network. They are renowned for installing high-efficiency SunPower panels and have a strong focus on custom system design for the varied properties in the Sierra foothills, from standard grid-tied homes to complex off-grid setups.

20 Main St, Jackson, CA 95642

Specialties & Features

High-efficiency solar panel installation
Battery storage system installation
Off-grid solar solutions

Business Information

Years in Business:12 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#2

Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort

4.7
(90 reviews)
Verified

A well-established local HVAC and electrical company that has expanded into a premier solar installation service. Their strength lies in integrating solar energy systems with home energy efficiency, including heat pumps and insulation, for a whole-home solution.

19830 State Rte 88, Pine Grove, CA 95665 (Serves Jackson directly)

Specialties & Features

Solar energy system design and consultation
Energy efficiency assessments
Grid-tied solar solutions

Business Information

Years in Business:15 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

Sunrun

4.2
(250 reviews)
Verified

A national leader in solar with a significant presence in California. Sunrun is a strong option for homeowners seeking flexible financing and leasing options (like a Power Purchase Agreement). They leverage their scale to offer competitive pricing and manage all aspects of incentives and permitting.

55 Sun Lane, Sacramento, CA 95834 (Corporate office; serves Jackson area)

Specialties & Features

Solar financing and leasing options
Residential solar panel installation
Battery storage (Brightbox)

Business Information

Years in Business:18 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes

Why These Are the Top Home Solar Contractors in Jackson

** The home solar market in Jackson, CA, is moderately competitive and serves a community with a high incentive for energy independence. The region experiences abundant sunshine, but the terrain and prevalence of rural, forested properties can present unique design challenges, making local expertise highly valuable. **Average Quality:** The quality is bifurcated. There are highly skilled local installers (like the top two listed) who excel in custom, robust solutions for both grid-tied and off-grid properties. National providers offer more standardized, cost-effective solutions, which can be a good fit for simpler suburban-style homes. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of providers physically located in Jackson, the town is served by a handful of dedicated local companies and several large regional/national operators based in Sacramento or the broader Central Valley who actively market in Amador County. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally in line with the California average, which is between **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a typical gross cost of **$21,000 to $35,000** for a 7kW system. However, off-grid or complex installations with significant battery storage can significantly increase the total project cost. Local installers are crucial for navigating specific county permitting and any wildfire-related building codes.

High Ratings

4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews

Fully Licensed

All contractors are properly licensed and insured

Proven Experience

10+ years average experience in the industry

Local Experts

Familiar with Jackson regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar in Jackson

Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Jackson, California.

1How much does a typical home solar system cost in Jackson, CA, and what incentives can help reduce the price?

For a typical 6kW system in Jackson, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. The most significant savings come from the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, Jackson homeowners benefit from California's net metering policies and the property tax exclusion for solar systems, ensuring added energy savings without increasing your property tax assessment.

2How does Jackson's climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters, affect solar panel performance?

Jackson's climate is excellent for solar production, with abundant sunshine, especially from spring through fall. While extreme summer heat can temporarily reduce panel efficiency, the long, sunny days more than compensate, leading to very high energy output. Mild winters with fewer rainy days than the coast mean your system will still generate meaningful power year-round, making it a highly effective investment for local homeowners.

3What should I look for when choosing a solar provider in Amador County?

Prioritize providers with strong local experience in Jackson and Amador County, as they will be familiar with specific permitting processes with the City of Jackson or Amador County, PG&E interconnection, and any local aesthetic guidelines. Ensure they are a licensed C-10 or C-46 California contractor, offer strong warranties, and have a portfolio of installations in the area, which demonstrates knowledge of working with local roof types and microclimates.

4Are there any local regulations or homeowner association (HOA) rules in Jackson I need to consider before installing solar?

In California, the Solar Rights Act significantly limits an HOA's ability to prohibit solar installations, though they may have reasonable aesthetic guidelines. For installations within the City of Jackson, you will need to obtain an electrical permit and possibly a building permit. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process, ensuring compliance with all California Building Codes (CBC) and local jurisdiction requirements.

5How does net metering with PG&E work, and what happens during a power outage?

Under PG&E's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), your system earns credits for excess energy sent to the grid, which are used to offset power you draw at night. Credits are valued at a lower export rate, making a solar battery like a Tesla Powerwall highly advantageous in Jackson for maximizing savings and backup power. Importantly, standard solar systems shut off during an outage for safety; only a system with a battery backup will provide power to your home when the grid is down, which is a valuable consideration given local Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.