Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Orangevale, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar and battery storage, known for its strong brand recognition and comprehensive service offerings. They provide a full turnkey solution, from custom design and consultation to installation, maintenance, and a variety of financing options, including popular leasing and PPA plans. Their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house monitoring platform are key strengths.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company based in Sacramento. Sullivan Solar Power has built a stellar reputation for quality craftsmanship, expert system design, and high-touch customer service. They are known for their expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems and have extensive knowledge of local incentives and net metering policies.
Baker Home Energy is a premier, award-winning local installer known for exceptional customer satisfaction and technical expertise. They specialize in high-performance solar and battery storage systems, often focusing on whole-home energy solutions. Their consultative approach ensures systems are tailored to specific household energy goals and efficiency needs.
The home solar market in Orangevale, CA, is robust and highly competitive, benefiting from the region's abundant sunshine and high electricity rates from providers like SMUD. The market is characterized by a mix of large national providers (like Sunrun) and highly reputable, long-standing local installers (like Sullivan and Baker). This competition drives high service quality and provides homeowners with a wide range of options, from budget-friendly leases to premium custom installations. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in the Sacramento area, including Orangevale, ranges from **$2.80 to $3.80 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. For an average 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$16,800 to $22,800**. The presence of strong local incentives, particularly from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), combined with the federal tax credit, makes solar a financially attractive investment for Orangevale homeowners. Consumers are generally well-informed, and companies must demonstrate deep local knowledge and a strong track record to succeed.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Orangevale regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Orangevale, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Orangevale, costs before incentives range from $18,000 to $25,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, you remain eligible for California's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, which credits you for excess power sent to SMUD's grid, and SMUD itself offers specific rebates and programs that can further lower upfront costs.
Orangevale's Mediterranean climate, with over 260 sunny days per year, is excellent for solar. Production peaks in long, clear summer days, often generating surplus credits. While winter brings shorter days and some rain, panels still produce energy efficiently in cool weather, and the region's minimal heavy fog ensures reliable year-round generation compared to coastal areas.
As an unincorporated community in Sacramento County, your installation must comply with Sacramento County Building Division permits and codes. Your installer will typically handle this process. A key local consideration is interconnection approval from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), which has specific requirements for system safety and inspection before you can go live.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Sacramento County and a proven track record with SMUD's interconnection process. Verify they are licensed (C-10 or C-46), insured, and check for reviews from Orangevale neighbors. A trustworthy local installer will understand regional factors like wildfire smoke season impacts and can provide site-specific assessments for your property's sun exposure.
While SMUD's rates are historically lower and more stable than PG&E's, going solar with SMUD still provides significant long-term savings and protection against future rate increases. The financial benefit comes from locking in a lower, predictable cost for your own energy production and using SMUD's NEM program to offset your usage from the grid, maximizing your investment's return.