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10 best solar companies in El Cajon, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of El Cajon. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in El Cajon, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've put together a list of the top solar companies in El Cajon.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in El Cajon or opt for an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that moving to solar energy allows El Cajon homeowners to save approximately $920 per year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in El Cajon
When researching El Cajon solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Precis Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
HES Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Jamar Power Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinity Energy
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
LGCY Power
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Sunline Energy
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Airflow Heating Cooling Solar
EZ Solar & Roofing
Action Solar
Heliogold Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in El Cajon?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like El Cajon, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar shrinks your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about El Cajon
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Cajon?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In El Cajon, solar panel installation costs an average of $6,837, based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How much can you save by going solar in El Cajon?
Though installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in El Cajon from going solar
In El Cajon, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in El Cajon is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in El Cajon: Based on calculations that leverage data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA, El Cajon homeowners save around $922 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by moving completely to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $17,661 after 25 years.
Energy savings in El Cajon from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in El Cajon?
Homeowners in El Cajon can enjoy several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all California residents, and others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are offered to California residents, according to DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a El Cajon solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage could raise the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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