Solar & Storage Installation in Forestville
Harness the Sun, Lower Your PG&E Bill, and Protect Your Home
Forestville homeowners know what it means to live close to the land. Nestled along the Russian River, this tight-knit community enjoys stunning natural beauty but also faces real energy challenges. PG&E rates in Sonoma County have climbed steadily, and Forestville's rural setting means that when the grid goes down during fire season or a winter storm, you feel it. Solar power paired with battery backup gives Forestville families genuine energy independence: lower monthly bills, protection from Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and the satisfaction of generating clean energy right from your own roof.
First Response Solar has been installing solar systems for Forestville homeowners since 2018, and our team understands the specific needs of this area, from tree shading considerations to older rural electrical panels that often need upgrading before a solar installation can proceed.
Why Forestville Homeowners Choose First Response Solar
Not all solar companies are created equal, and Forestville residents have learned to ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line. Here's what sets us apart.
1. We're your neighbors, not a call center. First Response Solar was founded in 2018 by brothers Chaz and Dylan Mathias, a second-generation solar family that's been rooted in Sonoma County since before rooftop solar was mainstream. When you call us at (707) 861-0388, you're talking to someone who actually knows Sebastopol, not a salesperson in another state routing your job to a subcontractor.
2. Our reputation speaks for itself: We've earned 196+ five-star reviews and were named Best Solar & Storage Company in Sonoma County by the Press Democrat in both 2024 and 2025. Nearly 90% of our new customers come through referrals from people we've already served, which tells you everything about how we treat the families who trust us.
3. We do our own work: We never use subcontractors. Every installation is handled by our own trained crew, and Chaz and Dylan stay hands-on throughout the process. We hold CA License #1039876 covering both C-10 (Electrical) and C-46 (Solar), so you can be confident the work is done right and to code.
4. We install the best equipment available. As a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer, Franklin Certified Installer and Enphase Platinum Installer, we have access to top-tier solar and battery technology, and we'll help you choose the right system for your home and goals, not just whatever's easiest to install.
Our Solar and Battery Services in Forestville
Residential Solar Installation: We design custom solar systems sized to your home's current energy usage or can factor in future increased that you may be adding in the near future.
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Battery Backup Systems: Under the current Net Billing Tariff agreement with PG&E, the export compensation rates are very low so having a battery to store the excess solar power you generate during the day so you can used that stored energy at night when the sun is not shining is how homeowners will save on their electrical bill. The second benefit to batteries is, solar panels alone go dark when the grid goes down. Adding a battery like the Tesla Powerwall, Franklin Whole Home or an Enphase IQ Battery keeps your lights, refrigerator, medical equipment and potentially your whole house running through PSPS events and outages.
Solar + Battery Packages: Most of our Sebastopol customers choose a combined solar and storage system. It's the most cost-effective way to maximize your utility savings and your energy independence at the same time.
How It Works:
Our Simple 5-Step Process
1. Free Consultation: We learn about your home, your energy bills, and your future goals. No pressure, no gimmicks. We will come out and do a full site analysis at your home to make sure the bid we give you is accurate and there will not be any change orders after the fact.
2. Custom System Design: We design a system tailored to your roof, your usage, and local utility rates.
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3. Permits & Approvals: We handle all the paperwork, including permits and interconnection with PG&E, so you don't have to.
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4. Installation Day: Our own crew completes your installation efficiently and cleanly, with Chaz or Dylan on-site. We operate with 1 crew to make sure we have an owner onsite to ensure the system is installed to the highest quality craftsmanship.
5. Turn It On: We walk you through your new system, make sure everything is working perfectly, and are just a call away if you ever have questions.