15 Best Solar Companies in San Diego, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in San Diego based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for San Diego, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average San Diego homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Diego
Finding the best solar panel installation company for your home is an important decision, but it's one that can save you a lot of money in San Diego. On average, you can save $31,000 over 20 years after installing a solar panel system. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, you can save will be even more than that overall.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in San Diego to make your decision a bit easier.Want to see the cost of installing a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated San Diego solar installer.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Diego
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
Sol Energy Systems LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
Precis Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
HES Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Semper Solaris
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
Heliogold Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Soltech Electric
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Carports
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Action Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Infinity Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
LGCY Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Sunline Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Jamar Power Systems
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
EZ Solar & Roofing
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Diego
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Diego based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in San Diego
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in San Diego
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar installer to hire comes down to total costs.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $31,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can substantially reduce, or entirely eliminate, your utility bills. In San Diego, you can save an average of $1,659 a month.
Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your solar panel system and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in San Diego
There are several reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them involves some government incentives that can help save you some money.State and city solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in San Diego.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Diego
There are a few important reasons why people are interested in solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits.Something many people might be thinking about is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? One thing that can dramatically shape your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive overall. If you go solar and drive an electric car, you can significantly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Even though solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In San Diego, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's San Diego, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best in San Diego?
In San Diego, SunPower by Milholland Electric is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.4 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.