Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Yolo, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A family-owned and operated business with deep roots in the Yolo County community. They are a premier authorized dealer of SunPower, which is consistently ranked as a top-tier solar panel manufacturer. They are known for their high-quality installations, personalized customer service, and extensive knowledge of local incentives and grid policies.
A larger, veteran-owned company with a strong presence throughout Northern California, including the Sacramento Valley which encompasses Yolo. They offer a wide range of services, including solar, battery storage, and roofing, which is a significant advantage for homes needing related work. They are known for robust financing options and frequent special offers.
A highly-rated, locally-focused installer based in Grass Valley that serves the greater Sacramento and Yolo County region. They have a stellar reputation for customer satisfaction and technical expertise, particularly with complex system designs and off-grid capabilities. They are a certified installer for premium brands like REC and Tesla.
** The home solar market in Yolo, and the wider Yolo County area, is mature and competitive, characterized by high-quality service providers. Due to the region's abundant sunshine, high electricity rates (from PG&E), and environmentally conscious population, solar adoption is very popular. The market is served by a mix of long-standing local/regional companies and larger national players expanding into the area. **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, with several providers offering top-tier equipment (SunPower, REC, Panasonic, Tesla) and holding prestigious certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners in Yolo have a strong selection of reputable contractors, which drives competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. It is a buyer's market where obtaining multiple quotes is highly advisable. **Typical Pricing:** As a rough estimate, the average cost for a residential solar system in California ranges from **$2.80 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$16,800 to $22,800**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment choice, roof complexity, and current available incentives. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces the net cost. All top providers will provide detailed, free quotes and are well-versed in explaining these financials.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Yolo regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Yolo, California.
For a typical 6kW system in Yolo County, the average gross cost before incentives is between $18,000 and $24,000. Beyond the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), homeowners should apply for the California Solar Initiative's SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program), which offers rebates for paired battery storage—a wise investment given local PG&E rates. Additionally, Yolo County residents benefit from property tax exclusions for solar installations and net metering with PG&E, significantly improving long-term savings.
Yolo's abundant sunshine, especially from April to October, makes it excellent for solar production, though summer heat can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. System design must account for seasonal Central Valley tule fog; experienced local installers will optimize panel tilt and placement to maximize winter sun capture. This climate also underscores the value of pairing solar with battery storage to maintain power during PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which occur during high fire-risk conditions in surrounding areas.
Yes, permitting varies by municipality. For example, the City of Davis has strict design review guidelines, particularly in historic districts, while Woodland and West Sacramento follow more standard California Building Codes. All installations in Yolo County must comply with the 2022 California Energy Code (Title 24), which now requires most new homes and major renovations to include solar. A reputable local installer will manage all permits, including interconnection agreements with PG&E and ensuring compliance with local fire setback requirements.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience, as they understand Yolo's specific climate, PG&E interconnection process, and city-specific permits. Verify they are a licensed California C-10 or C-46 contractor and check their reputation with the Yolo County Better Business Bureau. It's crucial to get multiple detailed quotes that include system monitoring, warranty comparisons, and a clear explanation of how net metering works with your specific PG&E rate plan (like TOU-C or TOU-D).
Under California's NEM 3.0 (effective April 2023), export rates to PG&E are lower, but the economics still strongly favor solar when paired with a battery storage system. This allows you to store excess daytime energy for use in the high-rate evening peak periods (4-9 pm), maximizing self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid. For Yolo homeowners, this design is essential to achieve a favorable payback period and provides crucial backup during frequent PG&E power outages, making solar-plus-storage a more resilient and valuable investment than ever.