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10 best solar companies in Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach. 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 Imperial Beach, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the best possible installer, we've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Imperial Beach.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to identify the best company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Imperial Beach or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Imperial Beach homeowners to save an average of $920 per year.
The products from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Imperial Beach
Look for Imperial Beach solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Heliogold Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
HES Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Enerev Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LGCY Power
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Verza Solar Electric Design
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
New Leaf Electric Inc.
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.
Infinity Energy
SolarQuest
Jamar Power Systems
Action Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Imperial Beach?
Homeowners in Imperial Beach are well-positioned for solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The top reasons to transition to solar power include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to operate your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Imperial Beach
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 Imperial Beach?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Per statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the typical price to install solar panels in Imperial Beach is $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in Imperial Beach?
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Imperial Beach from going solar
In Imperial Beach, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in Imperial Beach is around 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Imperial Beach: On average, Imperial Beach homeowners can save $922 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $17,661 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Imperial Beach from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Imperial Beach?
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Imperial Beach. Specific programs are applicable to all California residents, while others are determined by your municipality, city and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives to California homeowners, as stated by 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 Imperial Beach solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, evaluate these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up 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 more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be vital for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
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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