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10 best solar companies in Irvine, 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 Irvine. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Irvine, California, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Irvine.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in Irvine or pick a leading national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels need a big initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Irvine homeowners to save a yearly average of around $760.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Before scheduling your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Irvine
When looking into Irvine solar companies, search for those with at least 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).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunPower by True Power Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Precis Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Vasco Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
1701 E Edinger Ave Suite H1, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 497-2499
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/orang...
Nexus Energy Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
OC Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinity Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Go Green Solar
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.
Suntrek Solar
SunSolar U.S.
SYNRG Solar - Home Energy Solutions
Sun Synergy Consulting, Inc. SunPower Authorized Company.
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Irvine?
Irvine and the nearby regions get plenty of sunshine, which allows homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. The biggest reasons to start using solar power include these:
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can power electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to operate your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Irvine
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 Irvine?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your shading, labor costs, system size, area, roof orientation and sunlight availability. Choosing bonus features such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will raise the overall cost.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Irvine generally runs about $7,006.
How much can you save by going solar in Irvine?
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Money savings in Irvine from going solar
In Irvine, you can expect to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see 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 Irvine is 9 years.
- Annual solar savings in Irvine: Homeowners in Irvine typically save an average of $763 per year by using solar energy, based on our analysis using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save approximately $13,562 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Irvine 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 estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Irvine?
Homeowners in Irvine can be eligible for several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all California residents, and others are determined by your city, utility company and municipality.
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 Irvine solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
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 generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local regulations. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, 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 a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed 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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