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10 best solar companies in Santee, 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 Santee. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Santee, California, you'll need to hire a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Santee to help you choose the right one.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and get multiple quotes to identify the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Santee or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Santee homeowners to save $920 on average each year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Before booking your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Santee
When evaluating Santee solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Precis Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
HES Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Jamar Power Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LGCY Power
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- Clear pricing policy
Infinity Energy
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- Clear pricing policy
Sunline 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.
Action Solar
Airflow Heating Cooling Solar
Smart Solar and Roofing
EZ Solar & Roofing
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Santee?
Homeowners in Santee can benefit from solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The main reasons to opt for solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help reduce your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Santee
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 Santee?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Santee has a typical cost of $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in Santee?
Installing solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Santee from going solar
Homeowners in Santee who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Santee's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Santee: Homeowners in Santee typically save around $922 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our calculations using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving approximately $17,661 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Santee from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also lowers 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.
- 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 Santee?
Several solar incentives are available to Santee homeowners. Various programs are offered to all California residents, though others change by city, utility company and municipality.
Here are solar incentives offered 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 |
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 Santee solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. Incorporating battery storage might bump up the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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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