60% of American homeowners who made the solar switch did so because they wanted to play an active role in conservation. But, those aren’t the only benefits of switching to solar in Riverside California. Solar provides energy security during blackouts, roof shading, and a host of tax incentives for homeowners to enjoy.
Solar is perfect for Riverside residents into this comprehensive guide. So, whether you need a break on your federal taxes or you’re trying to find the best solar company Riverside has, you will find what you’re looking for here.
Solar Power Is Perfect for Riverside Homeowners
Why?
Cities like Riverside California are great for solar because they get regular sun exposure year-round. Unlike less sunny areas, Riverside residents don’t often experience the need to supplement their solar energy with other forms of power.
Moreover, the city is part of a high-solar state, creating more access and resources that make switching easy. Riverside residents are also lucky enough to live in a state that offers solar incentives on top of the ones offered by the federal government.
Finally, with California having such a high cost of living, it’s important for residents of the state to save where they can. Aside from the explicit savings solar conversion offers, solar panels can also help shade your home from the beating sun during the summer, saving you even more money on your costly energy bills.
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Riverside Stats That Will Make You Want Solar
It’s easy to say that residential solar power will bring you all these benefits and more. But, we have the numbers to back those claims up. Learn more about why, statistically, switching to solar is a smart choice for Riverside residents.
Sunny Days
Riverside experiences an average of 277 sunny days per year. With no lapses in energy production, the city is the perfect location to take advantage of solar power.
Riverside Blackouts and Power Outages
Power outages in Riverside CA happen for many reasons. The city of Riverside lists the primary sources of electrical power outages as:
- Unplanned electrical outages
- Planned electrical outages
- Mandated loaded shedding
Mandated load shedding is often referred to as “blackouts”. These necessary outages help decrease the load on the Regional Electric Grid. Due to the intense heat in Riverside, residents aren’t strangers to mandated load shedding.
In recent years, Riverside has seen an increase in blackouts and power outages. While the city has tried to improve its infrastructure, these problems can still happen.
Switching to solar helps reduce the need for regular blackouts. Moreover, homeowners with a solar backup battery can maintain power in their homes during times of manual load shedding.
Electric Bills in Riverside CA Compared to the National Average
Riverside residents pay an average of $264 per month on their electric bills, which is slightly higher than the national average of $100 and the California average of $111. After 30 years at this average, Riverside residents pay over $150K on electricity.
But switching to solar power can save Riverside residents a lot each month on their energy costs with the lowest solar energy bill as little as $20. You can calculate your potential savings using the LGCY power solar estimate calculator.
Riverside Solar Rankings
Riverside ranks as the 17th most populous city in California and is located just over 60 miles east of Los Angeles. It’s also the 17th city in the nation with the most solar systems and ranks 9th when broken down per capita. Joining the solar movement in Riverside puts you in good company as you join this national renewable energy movement.
Solar Panels Increase Home Value
Adding solar panels to your home in Riverside, CA can potentially increase your home value by up to $20,000! In addition to this potential equity boost, you’ll also be doing your part to save the environment and fight climate change.
Solar Financing Options in Riverside
There are many ways to pay for your solar installation in Riverside California. Namely, cash purchases, a solar loan, and a solar power purchase agreement (PPA).
Cash Purchase
Purchasing a solar power system in cash provides the most opportunities for returns on investment (ROI). Not only will you own your solar power grid, but you can also begin reaping the benefits of state and federal incentives right away.
But, cash purchases are only possible if you’ve saved enough or have a nice windfall coming through. The reality of the matter is that not everybody who wants solar has the money to buy their solar panel system outright. However, they have other viable options.
Solar Loans
Solar loans work similarly to other loans you’re familiar with like car and student loans. You’ll acquire solar loans from a credit union or bank as normal. Though interest rates vary between financiers, solar loans often come with a $0 downpayment. Like with cash purchases, since you own the solar power system, you may benefit from incentives.
Solar Power Purchase Agreement
You may also refer to solar PPAs as solar leases. These are among some of the most popular ways to finance your solar switch because they’re low maintenance. Everything regarding your solar energy system including maintenance and repairs is handled by the solar installation company that’s providing the financing.
Similar to a loan, you can acquire a solar PPA for $0 down. However, the solar installation company will own the solar power system instead of you. While convenient, the downside to PPAs is that you are no longer eligible for state or federal solar tax incentives.
Average Solar Savings in Riverside CA
It’s hard to picture saving money on solar energy systems because they are such a large investment. The average solar panel cost in Riverside California varies depending on many factors.
However, if you’re using cash to purchase your solar panel installation, you’ll get immediate savings on your monthly bills. With monthly savings and tax incentives, you’ll find the solar system pays for itself much faster than if you’d taken out a loan. But, even those who use loans or PPAs pocket some extra cash.
While some residents report saving on their energy bills through the duration of their loan or PPA, the savings are marginal. The ROI begins kicking in after you complete the payback. Without a loan to pay back, you get to experience just how cheap solar energy can be.
The average payback period is between six and eight years. But, over the course of 25 years, Riverside residents save up to $50K. The savings are even more significant for those who can take advantage of tax incentives.
Federal and State Solar Incentives
As of 2021, the federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a solar system from your federal taxes.
Homeowners in Riverside, CA can receive up to $1,000 back from the state through the California Solar Initiative. This incentive is in addition to the 26% federal tax credit.
Riverside Rules: Local Solar Regulations
The city of Riverside provides an extensive list of the rules and regulations surrounding the solar transition. Not every home is eligible to go solar in California. Getting approved for solar is an involved process that includes providing the local government with:
- A site and roof plan
- Attachment details
- Engineering calculations
- Electrical diagrams
- Product specifications
To learn whether your home is eligible, you must have an expert consultant. Solar installers in Riverside can get all the permits for you after a site visit and analysis.
Solar Installation Company Southern California: The Process
Solar installation is easier than you think. You can start the solar installation process in a few simple steps:
Get a Solar Quote
Before hiring a solar company Riverside has, you should get a quote. Companies like LGCY power offer free consultations and provide comprehensive, accurate quotes.
Remember to get an up-to-date and local quote. Knowing how much solar installation San Diego costs in 2012 won’t help you find good prices on solar in Riverside, 2022.
Engineering Site Visit
Think of this step as a solar pre-screening. Solar installers visit your home to determine your eligibility and your home’s solar capacity.
You’ll also get a more accurate quote and decide on the types of panels you want to be installed. Some solar panel options you’ll choose from are:
- Mono-crystalline solar panels. These solar panels are a single large crystal of silicon. They’re known for being very efficient and durable, but they’re also the most expensive option.
- Polycrystalline solar panels. These panels are like mono-crystalline solar panels except they have multiple smaller crystals of silicon. They’re not quite as efficient as mono-crystalline panels, but they’re less expensive.
- Thin-film solar panels. These panels are made from a thin layer of material that’s been coated with photovoltaic material. They have the lowest energy output among other solar panels.
If you’re not sure which ones you want, your expert solar installation technician can help you make the right decision. Or, read this LGCY article for more detailed information on the types of solar panels.
Permit Acquisition
Your solar installation company will get the necessary government approvals and permits. This process often takes less than a few weeks. You can learn more about solar permits in Riverside via the city’s Building & Safety Permits website.
Schedule installation
Now all that’s left is to wait for installation day. Solar installers in Riverside will hook up and test your solar power system.
Solar Activation
The next step is grid interconnection. Interconnection, also called activation, is instantaneous. Your panels will go live right after your solar installers complete this step.
Net Metering: What it is and How to Qualify
Net metering is a system that allows you to sell your extra solar power back to the utility company. This system can help offset some of your costs and make solar power more affordable.
In order to qualify for net metering, you need to have a photovoltaic (PV) system installed on your home or business. Your PV system must be interconnected with the utility grid and meet all safety requirements.
Solar Company Riverside: Make The Switch
Solar installation company Southern California is as frequent a search as beach Southern California- you have many options. But, for such a major decision, you should choose the best solar installers in Riverside. And the best solar company Riverside has are the experts at LGCY power.
At unbeatable prices and best-in-the-business products, LGCY power has already helped hundreds of Riverside California residents switch to solar power. If you’re ready to make the switch, don’t hesitate to contact us today and get a free consultation.
