Solar Panels in Humboldt County, CA

Installing Solar Panels in Humboldt County, California: Costs & More

• As of 2023, the average cost of solar panels in Humboldt County, California, is around $16,380 before the federal solar tax credit.
• Monocrystalline solar panels are generally more expensive than polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels.
• Solar energy systems are exempt from property taxes in Humboldt County
• Solar systems pay for themselves in 5 to 15 years with proper installation and maintenance.
• With California's Net Metering program, homeowners can sell extra power generated through their solar system to energy suppliers.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Humboldt County, CA?

As of January 2023, the average cost of solar panels in Humboldt County, California, is around $16,380. This is before the federal solar tax credit, which reduces the cost to about $11,466. The average solar panel cost per watt is around $2.73. It means that a 5kW solar panel will cost between $12,155 to $16,445. A 9 kW solar panel will cost about $16,758 with the ITC and around $23,940 without any California solar incentives.

Solar panels come in different designs. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive than polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels.

Are Solar Panels Exempt from Property Taxes in Humboldt County?

Solar panels are exempt from property taxes in Humboldt County. It means that installing a solar system won't affect your home's assessed value. California's property tax regulations preclude the installation or construction of an operational solar energy system from being recognized as freshly constructed as one of the attractions.

This exclusion covers dates of property tax liens until the fiscal year 2023–2024 and will be eliminated on January 1, 2025. (formerly 2017).

How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves in Humboldt County?

With proper installation and maintenance, solar systems generally have a payback time of between five and fifteen years.

Solar panels are also long-lasting items that, with routine maintenance, may last for 25 to 30 years or beyond while significantly reducing power costs. The following variables may have an impact on the payback period for solar panels.

• Your average electricity usage will determine your solar panel payback time. The higher your electricity usage kWH, the longer your solar panels take to pay for themselves and vice versa.
• The cost of the solar panels directly affects the payback period. The higher the cost, the longer it takes for your solar panels to pay for themselves and vice versa.
• The rate and cost of purchasing electricity in your area will affect your solar panel payback period. The lower your electricity costs, the faster your solar panels can pay for themselves and vice versa.
• The energy generation level of your solar panels will also influence the payback period. As solar panels generate more electricity, they pay for themselves faster and vice versa.
• The solar rebates, federal solar credit, and solar incentives available in your area or state will also affect the payback period of your solar panels. Solar incentives help to reduce the costs of solar panel installation, which will help them pay for themselves faster.

Do You Need a Handyman or a Solar Installer in Humboldt County?

The US Office of Energy and Renewable Energy suggests that homeowners contact a qualified solar contractor to install their solar system. The office also advises making certain that the job is completed solely with qualified experts.

A popular qualification is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. This certificate is an industry-standard accreditation for solar installation. This certificate is proof of the skills and experience required to do the job.

For solar installations and businesses, California has a variety of licensing requirements, including

• ‘’A’’ - General Engineering contractors install solar energy systems
• ‘’B’’ - General Building contractors install solar energy systems that fall under the B&P Code section 7057 definition considering that solar systems use two unlinked building crafts or trades.
• C-4- Boiler, Hot-Water Heating, and Stam Fitting contractors work on projects including solar heating equipment linked to the authorized systems in this classification.
• C-10 - Electrical contractors perform any solar function that creates, transforms, uses, or transmits electrical current for any use.
• C-36 - Plumbing contractors perform projects involving the use of any solar equipment for heating fluids or water to a desired temperature.
• C-46 - Solar contractors install, repair, maintain, and modify photovoltaic and thermal solar energy systems. This license doesn't allow construction or building crafts, skills, or trades asides where installation of a photovoltaic or thermal solar energy system is involved.
• C-53 - Swimming Pool contractors - they install swimming pool solar heating.

How can I Sell Solar Energy in Humboldt County?

Residents of Humboldt County are allowed to sell their solar energy through California's Net Metering program. With net metering, households that produce more power than they need can sell it to energy suppliers. Surplus electricity is exchanged for energy credits.

For a solar system to be eligible for net metering, it must fulfill a number of specifications. California's net energy metering program is subject to review and possible revisions.

NetMetering 3.0

On December 15, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved NEM 3.0. The primary impact of NEM 3.0 is a decreased remuneration for extra energy sent to the electric grid.

Three of California's largest utilities company's customers, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, and San Diego Gas and Electric, qualify for net metering.

Customers will be eligible for the Net Billing Tariff if they generate their own power and submit their interconnection applications on or after April 15, 2023. (NBT). The new tariff, which takes the place of the earlier Net Energy Metering (NEM) price, applies to facilities that generate renewable energy.

In NEM 3.0, the net metering scheme is substituted by net billing, which features a new solar output crediting rate and a significantly lower credit valuation. The rate your utility provider will pay for any power you send to the power grid will be decided independently and not relying on your normal electricity tariff, as opposed to the traditional net metering credit.

This is because NEM 3.0 employs "avoided cost" rates. The specific rate varies depending on the day of the week, the hour of the day, and the month you export your extra energy, making a total of 576 possible export rates available.

Are Tesla Solar Panels Available in Humboldt County, California?

Tesla provides solar solutions to residences and commercial establishments in Humboldt County and other parts of California. Customers can access a variety of solar panel options, including the Tesla Solar Roof, and standard rooftop solar panels.

The Tesla Solar Roof takes a different approach from typical rooftop solar panels, which are used for homes or businesses. Although it has a typical roof design, it is also a rooftop solar panel. The Tesla Solar Roof is made of interlocking tiles that have been covered with unique solar components.

Tesla also provides solar batteries. The Powerwall is one of their battery products. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Powerwall, is used to conserve the energy that solar panels generate. When the sun isn't shining, the energy storage may be used to maintain a steady flow of electricity and lessen reliance on the grid.

How to Find Solar Companies Near Me in Humboldt County, California?

Locating a suitable solar Humboldt solar company near you is easy with the right information. Due to the major risks involved in transitioning to solar energy, it is essential to engage the services of a certified solar installation in your region. By doing this, you can be confident that all pertinent occupational safety and health regulations will be observed when your installation is finished.

However, when looking for a solar provider to buy and install their solar system, consumers must be cautious. There are many solar businesses and installers to pick from in Humboldt County. You must choose a solar firm with sufficient strengths because these businesses all have various strengths and drawbacks. Here are some things to consider when looking for a Humboldt County solar company near me to work with;

Check for reviews

Usually, reviews from previous clients are available for solar providers who have a track record of business and patronage. An unreviewed solar company is either new or has something to hide. Reviews are a simple and quick way to find out how previous clients rank the provider's services. Homeowners can find evaluations of solar companies on Google or by reading comments about the business in their neighborhood.

Only deal with licensed solar providers.

Solar companies and installers must have certain certifications and licenses to show that they can do the job properly. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certificate is one to look out for. This certification may be held by a solar company or installer.

Licenses and certifications also clearly show that the company is adhering to government regulations, preventing unfair pricing, and promoting industry-standard service quality. When searching for local installers, make sure to ask if they are North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified or check their website for the logo.

Check the websites or directories of your local government.

Resources for renewable energy are on a wide range of government platforms. In the neighborhood, you may find some trustworthy businesses and advice on solar installation. Local governments try to encourage small enterprises and neighborhood businesses. You may rely on the listed solar companies to be good ones if your local government is one of integrity. From this list, you can create a shortlist and then conduct additional research to make your final choice.