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10 best solar companies in Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've gathered a list of the top solar companies in Santa Ana.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Santa Ana or use an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that moving to solar energy lets Santa Ana homeowners to save around $750 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Santa Ana
Search for Santa Ana solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing 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
Precis Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Vasco Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Nexus Energy Systems
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...
OC Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Go Green Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinity 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.
TENCO SOLAR
Suntrek Solar
Better Earth Solar
SunSolar U.S.
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Santa Ana?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Santa Ana, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help reduce your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems generate power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
Facts about Santa Ana
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 Santa Ana?
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the average cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
As per numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Santa Ana has a typical cost of $7,006.
How much can you save by going solar in Santa Ana?
While installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Money savings in Santa Ana from going solar
In Santa Ana, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to recover 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 recover its initial cost. The payback period in Santa Ana is approximately 9 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 Santa Ana: Homeowners in Santa Ana typically save an average of $751 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our calculations using data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save about $13,257 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Santa Ana from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks 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 Santa Ana?
Multiple solar incentives are available to Santa Ana homeowners. Some programs are available to all California residents, while others change by municipality, city and utility company.
Accessible 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 Santa Ana solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and might require bigger solar setups. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might 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 set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. The tree density, rainfall levels and severe weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is especially useful when you want to prevent power loss during inclement weather. Installing battery storage could raise the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken 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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