Solar in Fresno, California
Go solar in Fresno
Why Fresno is well-suited for solar energy
Fresno is one of the sunniest cities in California, with long summers and high solar irradiance levels that support strong solar energy production throughout the year. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, California’s Central Valley receives some of the highest solar resource levels in the United States, making it an ideal region for residential solar systems1.
High summer temperatures can also increase electricity demand due to air conditioning use. Solar panels can help generate energy during these peak demand hours when the sun is strongest.
How solar works for Fresno homeowners
A home solar system captures sunlight through photovoltaic (PV) panels and converts it into electricity for your home. Any excess energy can be sent to the grid, depending on your utility setup and California’s net billing structure.
Many Fresno homeowners pair solar with battery storage to store unused energy for later use, such as:
Evening hours after the sun sets
Power outages or grid disruptions
High electricity rate periods under time-of-use plans
Battery storage for reliability in the Central Valley
Battery storage is becoming increasingly important in California. Utilities may initiate Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during extreme weather conditions to reduce wildfire risk.
A home battery system allows you to:
Store solar energy for use when you need it most
Maintain power to essential devices during outages
Reduce reliance on the grid during peak pricing periods
This added layer of energy security is especially valuable during Fresno’s hot summers and grid strain events.
Solar plans designed for flexibility
Sunrun offers solar through a subscription-style plan that makes it easier to get started without a large upfront investment. With this approach, homeowners can:
Pay a predictable monthly rate for solar energy
Avoid the responsibility of system maintenance
Access ongoing system monitoring and support
This model is designed for homeowners who want the benefits of solar without owning the equipment outright.
Fresno utilities and energy considerations
Fresno residents are typically served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), one of California’s largest utilities. Electricity rates in California often vary based on time of use, meaning energy costs can be higher during peak demand hours.
Solar and battery storage can help homeowners better manage energy usage under these rate structures by generating and storing power when it’s most cost-effective.
Fresno reviews and where to find us
Compare plans
Discover flexible leasing, ownership, and tailored payment plans to meet your energy and budget needs.
Sunrun Subscription Plan
Leasing solar panels
Benefits
- Predictable, affordable payments
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Extended Sunrun warranties including workmanship and energy production guarantee for life of contract, 10 year roof penetration warranty, 24/7 system monitoring
Who maintains?
- Sunrun owns and maintains
- Plan transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- $0 to little down
- Locked in monthly solar lease
Sunrun Flex™ Plan
A subscription plan that grows with you
Benefits
- We install extra solar capacity, you pay for what you use
- Integrated battery storage
- 25-year warranty on equipment and workmanship, 10 year warranty on roof penetration, and 24/7 system monitoring. Sunrun will replace equipment for the life of the contract
Who maintains
- Sunrun owns and maintains
- Plan transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- $0 to little down
- Locked in affordable monthly solar rate for your current energy use
- Access additional energy at the same low rate whenever needed
Solar panels ownership
Purchasing solar panels
Benefits
- Own your system outright
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Manufacturer's equipment warranties, 10 year workmanship guarantee, and 10 year roof penetration warranty
Who maintains?
- I service and care for my system myself
- Transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- Full system cost (cash upfront)
Maximize your solar value with a home battery system
Increase control over your power
Protect your home during outages
Maximize your solar value
Pairing a battery with your solar system gives you even more control over how you power your home. It can buffer you from increasing energy costs and ensure you have power when you need it most.
Outages are becoming more common as the traditional grid ages, wildfires become more common, and the population grows. A home battery lets you power through any grid outage so you can enjoy more peace of mind and focus on what matters most.
California’s new solar laws encourage you to use as much of the power produced by your solar panels as possible. Sunrun’s battery options help you maximize your potential savings, collecting and storing excess solar power while the sun is shining so you can use it at night during peak utility rates.
Sources
1. NREL