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10 best solar companies in Pasadena, 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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena, California requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Pasadena to help you find the perfect installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for you. You can pick a local Pasadena solar company or use a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy enables Pasadena homeowners to save an average of $890 every year.
Many solar companies provide different products. Make sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Pasadena
Vet Pasadena solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunPower by True Power Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Optimum
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Clean Initiative
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Integrations and Management Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Solar Technologies
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
10713 Norwalk Blvd, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(213) 984-4554
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/los-a...
Altadena Energy & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
First American 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.
AmeriGreen Solar
Magic Solar Electric
Better Earth Solar
Simple Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pasadena?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Pasadena, can still use solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Pasadena
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 Pasadena?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your sunlight availability, area, shading, system size, roof orientation and labor costs. Choosing bonus features such as solar trackers, batteries or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA the typical price to install solar panels in Pasadena is $6,920.
How much can you save by going solar in Pasadena?
Putting in solar panels means sizable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through big reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Pasadena from going solar
In Pasadena, you can plan to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover 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 Pasadena is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pasadena: On average, Pasadena homeowners can save $894 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $16,913 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Pasadena from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 51 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1275 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Pasadena?
Pasadena homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are provided statewide to all California residents, and others depend on city, utility company and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to 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 Pasadena solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local laws. You must get proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get similar levels of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rain levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for preventing power loss in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties are available, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels 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.
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