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10 best solar companies in Escondido, 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 Escondido. 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 Escondido, California, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Escondido.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and request multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Escondido or select a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Escondido homeowners to save around $920 per year.
Various solar companies offer different products. Take the time to look at each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Escondido
When evaluating Escondido solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Precis Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Cosmic Solar and Roofing
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Baker Home Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Eminent Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolHome
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
G C Electric Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sungenia
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarHub - Best Price & 30 YR Roof Warranty
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
180 Solar Power
Services offered
Highlights
- 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.
Palomar Solar and Roofing
San Diego County Solar
Stellar Solar
Sunline Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Escondido?
Regions with inconsistent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Escondido, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the ideal method to ensure your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity bought from utility companies.
Facts about Escondido
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 Escondido?
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in Escondido is $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in Escondido?
Putting in solar panels means considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Escondido from going solar
In Escondido, you can anticipate saving money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Escondido's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Escondido: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy, Escondido homeowners save around $922 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can expect to save $17,661 after switching fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Escondido from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 52 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1300 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Escondido?
Multiple solar incentives are available to Escondido homeowners. Certain programs are available to all California residents, though others vary by municipality, utility company and city.
Available solar incentives for California homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| 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 Escondido solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a solar installation expert.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
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 apply for the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Nearby trees, rain and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The extra battery storage can increase the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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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