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10 best solar companies in La Mesa, 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 La Mesa. 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 La Mesa, California requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in La Mesa to help you choose the perfect installer.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in La Mesa or use an established 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 term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that moving to solar energy enables La Mesa homeowners to save approximately $920 per year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in La Mesa
Look for La Mesa solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Keep an eye out for repeated 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
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
LGCY Power
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Heliogold Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Jamar Power Systems
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- Clear pricing policy
Infinity 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.
Sunline Energy
Action Solar
Airflow Heating Cooling Solar
EZ Solar & Roofing
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in La Mesa?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like La Mesa, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to start using solar power include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about La Mesa
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 La Mesa?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is impacted by your labor costs, roof orientation, system size, shading, area and sunlight availability. Selecting accessories such as animal guards, batteries or solar trackers will increase the overall cost.
Based on numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in La Mesa has an average cost of $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in La Mesa?
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in La Mesa from going solar
In La Mesa, you can expect to save money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to make back 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 average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in La Mesa is around 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in La Mesa: On average, La Mesa homeowners can save $922 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can expect to 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 La Mesa from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 52 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1300 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in La Mesa?
La Mesa homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are offered statewide to all California residents, and others vary based on municipality, city and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for California residents:
| 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 La Mesa solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and may require bigger solar setups. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could impact your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary 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. Local tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial 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?
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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