Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Placerville, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated premier provider specializing in high-quality residential solar and HVAC services. They are highly regarded for their personalized customer service, expert system design for the Sierra foothills' specific conditions, and in-house installation teams. Their focus on whole-home energy solutions, combining solar with efficient heating and cooling, is a key strength.
A well-established local electrical and solar contractor known for technical expertise and high-quality craftsmanship. They offer comprehensive services from design and installation to maintenance and repair. Their deep understanding of local permitting and grid interconnection processes for PG&E and the Placerville area is a significant advantage for homeowners.
A highly-awarded and reputable solar installer based in the region, known for its exceptional customer satisfaction and premium service. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. They provide extensive financing options and are experts in navigating state and federal incentives.
** The home solar market in Placerville, California, is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a mix of dedicated local contractors and larger regional companies that serve the area. The city's high number of sunlight days and relatively high electricity costs from PG&E make it an ideal location for solar adoption. The market quality is generally high, with several providers holding top-tier certifications (like NABCEP) and partnerships with premium manufacturers like SunPower, LG, and Tesla. Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $3.00 to $4.50 per watt before incentives, meaning an average 6kW system can cost between $18,000 and $27,000 gross. The 30% federal tax credit significantly reduces this net cost. Many providers offer various financing, including loans, leases, and PPAs, to accommodate different budgets. A growing trend in the Placerville market is the integration of battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall) due to both wildfire-related Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and the desire for greater energy independence.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Placerville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Placerville, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Placerville, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. Beyond the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), homeowners should explore the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program available in El Dorado County and SMUD's (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) net energy metering program, which covers parts of the county. Local installers often have specific knowledge of these regional incentives to help maximize your savings.
Placerville's abundant sunshine, with over 260 clear days per year, is excellent for solar production, especially in the summer. While winter snow is occasional and typically light, proper installation with a steeper tilt angle can help panels shed snow quickly. The heat of summer can slightly reduce panel efficiency, but this is offset by the very long, sunny days, making overall annual production highly effective.
The most critical step is navigating the permit process with the City of Placerville's Building Division or El Dorado County's Planning and Building Department, depending on your location. They adhere to the 2022 California Building Code (CBC) and the 2022 California Electrical Code (CEC), which include specific requirements for fire setbacks and rapid shutdown systems. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process, ensuring compliance with all local and CAL FIRE defensible space regulations.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in El Dorado County, as they will be familiar with specific permit officials, utility representatives (like SMUD), and regional installation challenges like foothill terrain. Verify they are a licensed California C-10 or C-46 contractor, check reviews on local platforms like Nextdoor, and ask for references from recent installations in Placerville or nearby communities like Cameron Park.
A standard grid-tied solar system shuts off during a power outage for safety. To have backup power, you must pair your panels with a dedicated battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a particularly valuable consideration in Placerville given the regional wildfire risk and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. A local installer can design a system that keeps critical loads running during an outage, independent of the grid.