Residential Solar Power Systems in Sonoma County

Synergy Solar provides custom residential solar power systems in Sonoma County, helping homeowners reduce utility costs and achieve energy independence. With 24 years of local experience and fully in-house licensed electricians, we design, permit, and install tailored rooftop and ground-mounted solutions without subcontracting.

Custom Residential Solar Systems in Sonoma County

For many people, the biggest question is, how much will solar cost, and is it worth the cost? There are solar companies out there that will give you a number over the phone based on Google Maps, average usage and incentives that might not be right for you. Our experience is that these cookie cutter approaches to solar leave a lot to be desired. We won’t provide a bid until we have asked a lot of questions, discussed your electrical usage including anticipated changes, walked your property, gotten up on your roof and taken a look at your electrical system. Technology, regulations and incentives change constantly in the solar industry. Our in-person solar consulting process helps us evaluate your home, usage, roof, and electrical system before making a recommendation. Most importantly, we will provide a detailed financial justification of your system along with the bid for your project.

On a rare occasion, solar is not a good solution to a customer’s needs and we will not hesitate to explain why this might be the case. This is a free service we offer because we don’t want surprises about a solar installation any more than you do, and we certainly don’t want to sell you something that won’t work for you. We aim to be meticulous and forward thinking in giving you a proposal that will address your particular needs.

Solar Systems for New Construction Projects

Are you in the process of building your home? Synergy is experienced in solar for new construction homes. We regularly work with several local builders, and our local solar installation team can design systems based on construction plans and anticipated needs. Our experience enables us to ask the right questions so we can accurately estimate future usage of a new home and property.

Roof and Ground Mounted Residential Solar Systems

Our expertise is in residential installations. We continually stay up to date on the ever shifting regulations within the residential solar field. Most often, a roof mounted system will be the solution.  Though occasionally, a ground mounted system will make more sense.

We do a wide variety of rooftop installations, including metal, shingle, and concrete tile roofs. We are also fully qualified and experienced in ground mounts, using state of the art installation techniques. To see our previous work, you can view examples in our solar installation gallery.

Professional Solar Panel Installation and Permitting in Sonoma County

Before you can enjoy the benefits of your solar system, a variety of paperwork must be completed in addition to the physical installation of the equipment to ensure that the system is safe, documented and “interconnected” with the utility. Synergy will take care of all of these details. We do not subcontract out this work.

What Synergy Solar Does For You:

  • Prepare the drawings and plans for your installation.
  • Apply for the required permits for your specific jurisdiction and pay the application fees.
  • Submit the necessary applications to your utility and pay the required application fees.
  • Be present for the final inspection to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
  • Finalise the required documentation with your utility.
  • Assist with obtaining your Permission To Operate (PTO) once the utility grants approval.
  • Implement the system, show you how it works and provide the documentation for your installation.

There are times when we will follow up with you to make sure you are on the most beneficial rate with the utility. It does not end there. We continue to monitor our installations long after the paperwork is complete and will notify you if we feel the system needs attention. We might even remind you to get the panels cleaned once a year because that does make a difference in your solar production, which you can learn more about in our solar panel maintenance guide. All this is included in becoming part of the Synergy family.

Financing Options for Residential Solar Power Systems

While we are not a lender, Synergy Solar guides you through flexible financing opportunities, including the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) and relevant federal incentives. We have a long term relationship with some institutions and they know our work. We also pay close attention to financial incentives offered by utilities, state programs, and federal programs. You can also review our solar FAQs for common questions about solar costs and battery backup.

Education on System Operation

The systems we install nowadays generally come with, you guessed it! Digital technology in the form of an app. That’s right, you can hop on your phone and check how your system is performing, whether there is an outage, and where the energy you are producing is going: the home, back to the utility, or into your residential battery storage system. There is some lingo associated with these apps and it takes a bit to get acquainted with all the information available to you. Every one of us, from the Office Team, Sales Team and Installation Team is familiar with these apps and will enthusiastically assist you in getting up to speed .

10 Year Standard Warranty and Support

As a trusted solar company in Sonoma County, Synergy Solar backs every project with a comprehensive 10-year labor warranty, supported by major component manufacturers offering up to 25-year product warranties. This can leave folks in a lurch when their system needs tending. Synergy Solar has a business model of co – ownership with each owner at a different stage in life. As one retires, a younger, new partner comes on board, ensuring continuation of the company. For clarification, the 10 year warranty is Synergy’s Labor Warranty. Many of the major components we install come with a 25 year warranty from the Manufacturer. Our installation experience and the reliability of the modern equipment has led us to now offer an optional labor warranty up to 25 years to match the warranty from the manufacturer.

Expanding Your Existing Solar Array.

Recently, technology has given us the ability to expand a solar array without the loss of your current Net Energy Metering (NEM) status with PG&E. NEM is a billing method that pays you back for your excess solar energy exported to the grid. Older versions of NEM pay better. The newest version, called Net Billing Tariff, has returns that are very low. Previously, adding to your system meant the loss of older NEM status. This made solar expansion a financially unsound investment in most cases. It is now possible to expand your solar array with newly approved configurations.  Learn more about these options in our blog here.

What to Expect from Your Residential Solar Installation

When you call us initially, we will go over your questions and ask a few questions in return. We will need to get some specific data from your PG&E usage, which can be easily downloaded from your PG&E account. Next, Mike Pane, one of Synergy’s owners, will contact you to discuss possible scenarios and to answer your questions with his immense detailed knowledge of solar. He will also ask a lot more questions to determine the best options for your needs. He will then arrange a site visit. After he has looked at your site, he will provide you with a detailed proposal. If you like it, we will issue a contract. Next, Justin Hiner, Synergy’s other owner, will contact you, review your site and get you on the installation calendar. Meanwhile, the office team will be working behind the scenes to get the paperwork moving. On installation day, Peter Lushington, our Foreman, will check in with you in person and work will begin. Installation usually does not take very long,  a day or two for smaller projects and up to a week or two for some of the bigger projects. Then the inspectors from the city or county will be scheduled to sign off on our work. Shortly after we receive approval from the utility, we will turn the system on. We will follow up with final documentation and check in from time to time during the process. If you have questions, we do our best to provide prompt responses. To discuss your home, PG&E usage, and solar goals, contact Synergy Solar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of residential solar systems?

Residential solar systems in Sonoma County can help reduce PG&E electricity bills, support energy independence, and lower household carbon emissions. Tax incentives may apply depending on current rules and system eligibility.

How long does it take to install a residential solar system?

A residential solar installation typically takes 1 to 3 days, depending on system size, roof conditions, electrical work, and permitting requirements. 

How do you maintain residential solar panels?

Residential solar panels in Sonoma County require minimal maintenance, usually periodic cleaning, monitoring, and inspection to help maintain solar production and long-term system performance.

Do residential solar systems increase home value?

Many homes with residential solar systems may attract buyers looking for lower energy costs and long-term savings. Property value can vary based on the local market, system ownership, and overall condition of the solar installation.

Can I add battery storage to my residential solar system?

Yes. Many residential solar systems can be paired with battery storage to provide backup power during outages and reduce reliance on the electrical grid. A battery system also allows you to store excess solar energy for use during the evening or periods of high electricity rates.

How much does a residential solar system cost in Sonoma County?

Solar costs depend on your home’s electrical usage, roof condition, equipment choice, and available incentives, which is why Synergy Solar does not quote pricing over the phone. As a locally established solar company in Sonoma County, our team reviews your PG&E usage, roof, and electrical system in person before providing a detailed, itemized proposal. For general residential solar pricing ranges, see our guide on how much a residential solar installation usually costs.