Energy Service Partners was selected by RedFin as a top climate, solar, and outdoor expert! Our very own Danny O’Malley is featured in RedFin’s recent article, The 10 Sunniest Cities in the U.S. That You Should Move To, This inspired us to share our take on the areas that have become some of California’s most popular destinations to move to, due to the sunny disposition of these great cities.
Living in beautiful California can be affordable—especially considering the savings you can incur with solar energy. Sunny California cities can be the perfect choice for those seeking the savings associated with solar energy while reducing their carbon footprint and enjoying the unrivaled lifestyle.
As one of the top full-service real estate brokerages in the country, RedFin listed all the right places. Here’s our take on why these sunny California cities are excellent choices for those ready to migrate to one of these sun-filled destinations.
Sacramento, California
The California state capitol is an excellent place for residential solar panels. Sacramento receives an impressive amount of sunlight, with almost six peak hours during the winter—which climbs to nearly eight during the long summer months. This can translate to epic savings for homeowners—and weather that promotes a healthy outdoor lifestyle that many only dream of.
Sacramento is also a cultural hotspot, offering diverse restaurants, popular music venues, and an array of opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. This vibrant city boasts a growing art scene that includes free concerts in the park, art walks and Second Saturdays, which blends downtown Sacramento’s local arts scene and nightlife. Other places to visit include renowned area wineries, gold-rush era attractions, the world’s largest almond processing plant, the Crocker Art Museum, the California State Railroad Museum and the California Auto Museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are many notable options to choose from, including Folsom Lake, Gibson Ranch Regional Park, the Sacramento Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Sacramento River Cruises and plenty of golf courses.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a cosmopolitan mecca and iconic center of the entertainment industry, famed for locales such as Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Malibu and Hollywood. The city also serves as an important hub for industries including technology, fashion, finance, and tourism. While temperatures vary widely due to the city’s vast urban sprawl, it’s one of the sunniest locations in the entire country. Housing costs can be exorbitant in many parts of Los Angeles, but with the city’s nearly endless supply of sun, solar power can result in marked savings. Even during the winter, days are often sunny and mild, making it perfect for solar use and enjoying the great outdoors.
The lifestyle in Los Angeles is unparalleled and diverse. Residents can surf, swim or just relax at any of the beautiful beaches from the South Bay to Malibu, or hike one of the many stunning trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, or Runyan Canyon. There are gyms and fitness centers on every corner, an abundance of museums, and arguably some of the best restaurants and shopping in the world. There are top schools and universities, incredible nightlife options, and sports events for every fan, with basketball teams, including the championship winning-Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the seven-time World Series-winning Dodgers and two-time Stanley Cup champions, the Los Angeles Kings.
Fresno, California
Fresno is another great place to go solar, especially considering the high cost of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) utilities. The city enjoys a lot of sunny days, especially during the spring and summer, that make it ideal for solar installations. Fresno has all the benefits of living in a big city but with a family-oriented, small town vibe. There are lots of diverse, world-class restaurants, boutique shops, weekly farmers markets, acclaimed hospitals and award-winning schools.
While Fresno is the 5th largest city in California, The New York Times calls it one of the most affordable places to live in the country. The job market is excellent and there are many housing options available in beautiful neighborhoods. Cultural hubs and community centers such as the Tower District, Riverpark, Fig Garden Village, Old Town Clovis and Downtown Fresno give the city a unique flair for residents to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts have lots to choose from as well, with many biking and hiking trails and national parks close by, including Sequoia, Yosemite and Kings Canyon.
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is another ideal choice for installing solar panels, as it’s a sunny city—and one that participates in the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Program for home solar installations. It’s located in one of the world’s largest agricultural areas but is also known for oil and natural gas production. According to U.S. World and News Report, Bakersfield is considered “more affordable than most other parts of California.”
Housing costs are very affordable in Bakersfield, making it a great place to save money while enjoying a superb quality of life. The city’s famed country music scene earned it the title of “The Country Music Capital of the West Coast.” Local musicians like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens popularized Bakersfield Sound, a sub-genre of country music that garnered attention in the ‘50s and ‘60s. The Fox Theater features regular musical acts and The California Living Museum offers an unique, immersive experience with local wildlife. There is a downtown arts district, antique shopping and a burgeoning local gallery scene. Outdoor lovers can enjoy visiting local farms, nature trails, lakes, the Kern River Parkway and camping.
Stockton, California
This lively city is another perfect location for residential solar panels, with its hot, sunny summers and relatively mild winters with no snowfall. Located on the San Joaquin River, this lively city has a diverse community of people who enjoy its relatively low housing costs. The cost of living may be higher than the national average, but that can be offset with the installation of solar panels.
Stockton offers a wide range of access to culture, restaurants, museums and nature. The city is home to the Historic Bob Hope Theatre and the Haggin Museum, a local art and history museum. There are plenty of golf courses and good schools, and the University of the Pacific is also located in Stockton. While every neighborhood has its fair share of amenities, including parks, restaurants, and shopping, midtown Stockton features its renowned Miracle Mile, 10 blocks of pedestrian-friendly shopping, fitness studios, restaurants, bars and entertainment
Stockton’s central location in Northern California gives residents opportunities to visit nearby vineyards and farms while providing easy access to local organic produce. Residents can also easily drive to the bay area or travel a few hours to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
To get started on installing solar panels for your home, request a homeowner quote from Energy Service Partners.