Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mcclellan, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the nation's leading residential solar, battery storage, and energy services companies. They are a major player in the Sacramento market, known for their robust financing and leasing options (including their popular Power Purchase Agreement - PPA), strong manufacturer partnerships, and comprehensive service offerings from design to maintenance.
A highly-rated, local Sacramento-based company with a strong focus on customer service and custom system design. Cal Solar Inc. has built an excellent reputation for quality installations and expertise in both grid-tied and battery-ready systems. They are known for their consultative approach and deep knowledge of local incentives.
A large, established company that specializes in both roofing and solar, allowing for integrated home energy upgrades. PetersenDean has a significant presence in California and is known for handling the entire project in-house, from roof assessment to solar installation and financing. Their longevity is a key indicator of stability.
** The home solar market in McClellan and the broader Sacramento area is **highly competitive and mature**. Due to the region's abundant sunshine, high electricity rates from providers like SMUD and PG&E, and California's strong solar incentives (like the Net Energy Metering - NEM 3.0 program and the Federal Investment Tax Credit), adoption is very high. This has fostered a market with numerous providers, ranging from national giants like Sunrun to esteemed local specialists like Cal Solar Inc. **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, with most reputable companies employing NABCEP-certified technicians and offering premium equipment from brands like Tesla, Enphase, and SunPower. **Competition Level:** Intense. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing, better service offerings, and more flexible financing options. **Typical Pricing:** As of 2024, the average cost for a residential solar panel system in California before incentives is between **$2.80 to $3.20 per watt**. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$16,800 to $19,200**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost would be roughly **$11,760 to $13,440**. However, prices can vary significantly based on system size, equipment choice, roof complexity, and the installer. The shift to NEM 3.0 has made battery storage a much more financially attractive addition for new installations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mcclellan regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mcclellan, California.
For a typical McClellan home, a 6kW to 8kW solar system costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. While Sacramento County doesn't have additional local rebates, SMUD's specific net metering program is a key financial factor to understand when calculating your payback period.
McClellan's abundant sunshine, with over 260 clear days a year, makes solar highly effective. However, under California's NEM 3.0, which took effect in April 2023, the financial return now heavily favors pairing solar with a battery storage system. Installing before potential future changes to incentives is wise, and the ideal installation season is late spring or early fall to avoid summer heat delays and winter rain.
Your installation will be permitted through Sacramento County's Planning and Environmental Review Department, not a city. The process involves submitting plans for building and electrical permits to ensure compliance with the California Electrical Code and the County's zoning ordinances. Your chosen installer should manage this entire process, which is generally straightforward for residential rooftop systems in our area.
Prioritize local, established providers familiar with Sacramento County's permit process and SMUD's interconnection requirements. Verify they are licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and have strong reviews from nearby customers. Ask for multiple system designs with production estimates specific to McClellan's sun exposure and ensure they provide clear explanations of NEM 3.0 economics and battery options.
Yes, two primary concerns exist. First, many older homes in the area may have roofs nearing the end of their lifespan; it's often recommended to replace an aging roof before installing solar. Second, older electrical panels (e.g., 100-amp service or Federal Pacific panels) often need to be upgraded to 200-amp to handle the new solar system safely, which is an additional cost to factor into your proposal.