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10 best solar companies in San Diego, 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 San Diego. 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 San Diego, California, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in San Diego.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the ideal company for you. You can choose a local San Diego solar company or select a reputable national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows San Diego homeowners to save a yearly average of around $920.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in San Diego
Search for San Diego 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 high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Precis Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
HES Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LGCY Power
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Heliogold Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinity Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Soltech Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Action 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.
Sunline Energy
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
Jamar Power Systems
SolarQuest
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Diego?
Regions with inconsistent sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like San Diego, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- 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 optimal method to ensure your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about San Diego
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 San Diego?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your sunlight availability, labor costs, roof orientation, system size, shading and area. Choosing extras such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
Based on statistics from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average expense to install solar panels in San Diego is $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in San Diego?
Installing solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in San Diego from going solar
Homeowners in San Diego who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, San Diego's standard solar payback period is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in San Diego: On average, San Diego homeowners can save $922 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $17,661 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in San Diego from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar 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
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What solar incentives are available in San Diego?
San Diego homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Specific programs are provided statewide to all California residents, and others vary based on utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are accessible to California residents, according to DSIRE:
| 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 |
Green Building Incentive City of San Diego - Sustainable Building Expedited Permit Program | See Website |
Green Building Incentive San Diego County - Green Building Program | 7.5% reduction in plan check and building permit fees |
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 San Diego solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need larger solar panel systems. 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 installation project may be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage might affect the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These aspects affect 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.
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