15 Best Solar Companies in Santa Ana, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Santa Ana based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Santa Ana, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Santa Ana homeowner saves $2,082/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Santa Ana
Are you looking for energy freedom in Santa Ana? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since there are lots of benefits when you go solar. Solar panels aren't just good for the Earth — your finances will benefit too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $25,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Santa Ana to make your choice a bit easier.Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a vetted solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
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 Santa Ana
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunPower by True Power Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Precis Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
SunSolar U.S.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
REPOWER OC
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Vasco Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
TENCO SOLAR
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Consultation
- System Decommissioning
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Semper Solaris
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
OC Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
Infinity Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Nexus Energy Systems
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
EcoSolar USA
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Go Green Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
SunGuide Solar Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Santa Ana
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
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 Santa Ana
The cost of installing a solar panel system has dropped immensely over the past few years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can significantly decrease, or completely get rid of, your utility bills. In Santa Ana, you can save an average of $1,185 a month.
- Your location: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $25,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you buy 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 you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you’d like to reduce your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Santa Ana homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Santa Ana
There are many reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of your project costs on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Santa Ana
Lots of people want to do what they can to help protect the planet, which for many is the prime reason for installing solar panels.But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? How much energy you use is a significant factor to think about. The more energy you use, the greater your impact when you make the switch to solar power.In Santa Ana, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. The benefits of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Santa Ana residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.
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 Santa Ana, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best in Santa Ana?
In Santa Ana, SunPower by Sun Solar-OC is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 9.3 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.