15 Best Solar Companies in Valley Center, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Valley Center based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Valley Center, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Valley Center homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Valley Center
On the hunt for the top solar companies in Valley Center? Installing solar panels is an exciting project that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. What's especially making many homeowners consider going solar is their sizable energy bills that keep increasing each year.
If you want to start taking advantage of the great amount of benefits of solar, we’ll help you narrow down your options to find the Valley Center solar installer that’s perfect for you.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Valley Center, you can click "get quote" 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 Valley Center
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
Precis Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Sol Energy Systems LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Eminent Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
SolHome
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Baker Home Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
G C Electric Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Palomar Solar and Roofing
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Cosmic Solar and Roofing
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Sol Nova Electric LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
SolarHub - Best Price & 30 YR Roof Warranty
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
180 Solar Power
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Performance Solar Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
San Diego County Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Valley Center
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Valley Center 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 Valley Center
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 Valley Center
We know that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs.Some significant things that determine the cost and possible savings include:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Valley Center gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you want 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 opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $31,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- How much power your household needs: If your household uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from switching to solar.
Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your current power bills.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to see how much switching to solar could affect the environment and your savings account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Valley Center, CA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Valley Center
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government.These incentives typically consist of cash rebates, tax benefits and/or performance-based incentives. They can lower how much you end up spending on going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Valley Center
Installing solar panels is a great way to do what you can for a greener future.You may be asking yourself – how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? In a place like Valley Center where commute times can be very long, using solar power can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving.Once you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 50 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll most likely find that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
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 Valley Center, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Valley Center?
In Valley Center, 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 roof.
What are the best and worst things about solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
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 varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.