Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Madison, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local provider with a strong partnership with SunPower, known for manufacturing some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. They offer a full-service approach from initial consultation and custom design to installation and long-term maintenance. Their expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup systems is a key strength.
A well-established local contractor known for personalized service and expertise in a wide range of solar solutions. They are praised for their transparent pricing, energy efficiency assessments, and knowledge of local incentives and financing options, including leases and PPAs.
A large, regional installer with a significant presence in Northern California. Their major advantage is being a full-service roofing and solar company, ensuring seamless integration of new solar installations with roof integrity. They have extensive experience with grid-tied systems and offer robust in-house financing.
** The home solar market in and around Madison, California, is competitive and mature, characterized by a high level of expertise among the top providers. Due to Madison's rural nature and proximity to larger towns like Yuba City and Marysville, residents are typically served by these established regional companies rather than hyper-local sole proprietors. The average quality of service is high, with most top-tier contractors holding advanced certifications (like NABCEP) and partnerships with major equipment manufacturers (e.g., SunPower, LG, Tesla). Competition is strong, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region ranges from **$2.80 to $3.80 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. For an average-sized system (6 kW - 8 kW), this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$18,000 to $28,000**. The combination of abundant sunshine, high electricity rates from PG&E, and available state incentives (like the Net Energy Metering program) makes solar a financially attractive investment for homeowners in the Madison 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 Madison regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Madison, California.
For a typical Madison home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system can range from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this cost through the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and California's net metering program (NEM 3.0), which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. Additionally, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), your local utility, offers no upfront-cost programs like Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) for qualifying properties.
Madison enjoys abundant sunshine, making it highly suitable for solar, but the Central Valley's famous "Tule Fog" in winter and early morning can temporarily reduce morning production. However, systems are designed for annual production, and the many clear, hot summer days with long sunlight hours more than compensate, often generating surplus energy. Proper panel placement and tilt are calculated by installers to maximize exposure to the southern sky, minimizing fog impact.
Solar installations in Madison require a building permit from Yolo County's Planning and Public Works Department, which ensures compliance with the California Electrical Code and structural safety. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire process. Key local considerations include adherence to the 2022 California Energy Code (Title 24), which may require future battery readiness, and any specific aesthetic guidelines if your home is in a designated historic district.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience in Yolo County, as they will be familiar with county permit processes and PG&E interconnection. Verify they are licensed (California CSLB C-46 or C-10 license), insured, and have positive reviews on platforms like Yelp or the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) directory. Always get multiple detailed quotes that clearly outline equipment brands, warranty terms, production estimates, and a timeline for PG&E interconnection under NEM 3.0.
While solar alone remains valuable under NEM 3.0, adding battery storage is now highly recommended for maximizing financial returns and energy independence in Madison. Batteries allow you to store excess solar energy produced during the day and use it during peak PG&E rate periods (4-9 pm) when electricity is most expensive, instead of buying it back from the grid at a high cost. This is especially beneficial for backup power during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) or grid outages, which can occur in our region.