Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Rescue, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated, full-service solar installer based in Placerville. They are known for their high-quality custom designs, excellent customer service, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid battery systems, which is highly relevant for the more rural areas around Rescue.
A well-regarded local electrical and solar contractor serving the Sierra Foothills and Sacramento region. They emphasize robust system engineering, professional installations, and strong manufacturer partnerships, offering premium panels and warranties.
A large, regional provider that offers integrated roofing and solar services. Their key strength is providing a single-source solution for homeowners who may need a new roof alongside their solar installation. They offer various financing and leasing options.
** The home solar market in Rescue, California, is characteristic of the Sierra Foothills region. The market is **moderately competitive**, dominated by reputable regional installers from nearby Placerville, Folsom, and the greater Sacramento area, rather than national corporations. The quality of providers is generally **high**, as serving rural and semi-rural communities requires expertise in dealing with varied terrain, tree cover, and a higher-than-average interest in **battery backup systems** due to the area's susceptibility to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) from utility provider PG&E. **Typical pricing** is in line with the California average, which is approximately **$2.80 to $3.40 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of $28,000 to $34,000 for a typical 10kW system. However, with the 30% federal tax credit and other potential local incentives, the net cost is significantly reduced. The high prevalence of PG&E in the region, which has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, makes the return on investment for solar in Rescue particularly attractive for homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Rescue regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Rescue, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Rescue, costs before incentives generally range from $18,000 to $25,000. Key incentives include the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability, and California's net energy metering (NEM) program, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid. Rescue's high number of sunny days maximizes the return on this investment.
Rescue's sunny, Mediterranean climate with over 260 clear days a year is excellent for solar production. However, the high wildfire risk in the Sierra foothills means you should prioritize systems with rapid shutdown capabilities for firefighter safety and consider microinverters, which can minimize production loss if part of your roof is shaded by smoke or debris. Some local providers may also discuss panel cleaning to mitigate ash buildup during fire season.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months. After design and signing, the timeline includes submitting permits to El Dorado County, which can take several weeks, followed by installation in 1-3 days. The longest wait is often for the "Permission to Operate" (PTO) from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) after county inspection, which can take 4-8 weeks. Starting in spring can ensure your system is active for peak summer sun.
Select a provider with extensive local experience in El Dorado County, as they will be familiar with specific permit requirements, PG&E interconnection processes, and optimal system designs for our terrain and tree cover. Always verify their California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license, check local reviews and references, and ensure they handle the entire permit and inspection process directly rather than subcontracting it out.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety, even during a PSPS event. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a particularly valuable consideration in Rescue, given our area's exposure to PSPS events. A battery allows you to use your solar energy when the grid is down, providing critical backup power.