OC Solar

- Max. panel efficiency
- 22.5%
- Panel warranty
- 25 years
- Payment options
- Cash, loan
- Year founded
- 2016



Based on local customer satisfaction ratings, OCSolar is the best solar company in Lancaster overall. Ameco has one of the best warranties we’ve ever seen, and Sunlux stands out for its equipment options.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Pro install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | NABCEP certified | Payment option | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() OC Solar | Learn More | 5.0
51 reviews
51 reviews
| Best overall | 22.5% | 25 years | Cash, loan | 2016 | ||
![]() Ameco Solar | Learn More | 4.6
59 reviews
59 reviews
| Long-term savings | Varies | 40 years | Cash, loan, lease | 1974 | ||
![]() Sunlux | Learn More | 3.8
580 reviews
580 reviews
| Equipment options | 19.7% | 25 years | Cash, loan and lease | 2012 |



We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving California. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:
Local customer satisfaction (65%)
We analyzed reviews from verified customers in Anaheim. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.
Price satisfaction (7%)
We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.
Installation satisfaction (7%)
We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.
Customer service satisfaction (7%)
We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.
Payment options (7%)
We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.
Warranties and guarantees (7%)
We compared equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide 10 to 25 years of coverage.
After five quotes, (OC Solar) was one of the less expensive for a higher-end solar system.”
Jump into our guides and start learning
High energy costs in California make going solar a smart choice for a lot of residents. But with so many options to choose from in Anaheim, where should you start? This guide explains what to look for in a solar company, how to compare quotes and more.
Average solar panel installation costs generally start between $11,178 and $22,356 in Anaheim.
Jump to insightSolar panels are a long-term investment (most systems last 25 years or more). That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment.
Jump to insightSolar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.
Jump to insightA typical solar panel installation in California costs $11,435 to $22,871. Average prices in Anaheim are comparable, ranging from $11,178 to $22,356 before considering any incentives or financial aid. On the high end, one solar company reviewer, Shock in Fullerton, spent $37,000 going solar.
Your solar costs will depend on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Anaheim
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | $11,178 | $13,414 | $15,649 | $17,885 | $20,120 | $22,356 |
| Statewide average | $11,435 | $13,722 | $16,010 | $18,297 | $20,584 | $22,871 |
Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.
If you’re going solar to save on energy costs, you have to make sure your system is big enough to generate enough power.
A typical California household needs a 7.2 kW system to offset energy costs enough to make going solar worth it. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.
On your electric bill, it should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW). For example, if you used 12,000 kWh last year, you need a 10-kW system.
Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. A solar battery stores the extra energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during a power outage.
Without a battery, that unused energy goes to the grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
Adding a battery can provide backup power and reduce electricity costs, but it comes with a higher upfront price. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.
Pro tip
Upgrade old appliances before going solar. An energy-efficient water heater, refrigerator or clothes dryer reduces how much electricity your household needs. That means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.
» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?
Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and other forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:
California requires solar contractors to hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. Make sure your installer also has:
Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in California. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production.
Most installers set the price according to the system’s wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In California, the average cost per watt is $2.29.
Make sure the quoted price includes installation, permits and grid hookup, and watch for hidden fees like monitoring or service charges.
The contract should be easy to understand. Focus on warranties for panels, inverters and installation workmanship, as well as any performance guarantees.
If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.
Potential roof problems
As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.
» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?
Financing options and leasing programs make solar more affordable for Anaheim homeowners. In an ideal scenario, your solar savings offset your monthly loan payment.
Possibly! The Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program offers no-cost rooftop solar installations for income-qualified homeowners in some parts of California, including Anaheim. Find out if you live in an eligible community using the California Environmental Protection Agency’s map.
With the 30% federal solar tax credit scheduled to end after 2025, it makes sense to take advantage of as many local solar incentives in California as possible. For instance, you can apply for Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates for homeowners who install battery storage systems with their solar panels.
California’s net metering allows solar homeowners to send excess energy to the grid in exchange for bill credits. Much of the state switched to NEM 3.0, which was a worse deal for residents generating solar energy. But Anaheim uses its own NEM 2.0 structure. NEM 2.0 compensates customers at wholesale rates rather than the higher retail rates used by some utilities.
Going solar is often worth it for many California homeowners for the long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $108,915 in utility costs on average.
It’s worth considering if you like the idea of a cheaper monthly energy bill. We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house.
» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons
No. Under California law, solar installations are exempt from property tax reassessments, meaning the value added to your home by solar panels won’t increase your property taxes.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates commonly range from 19% to 23%. This means that 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.
No, solar panels have relatively low maintenance costs. If you clean the solar panels yourself, the only maintenance cost will be the water used to hose them down. Hiring a professional to clean your solar panels typically costs $100 to $350.
Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. A solar battery stores the extra energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during a power outage.
Without a battery, that unused energy goes to the grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
California’s Solar Rights Act prevents homeowners associations (HOAs) from restricting residential solar panel installations. HOAs can, however, impose minor restrictions as long as they don’t reduce the system’s efficiency.
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| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
OC Solar
| 5.0
51 reviews
| Solar panel installation with dedicated project manager. Renewable solar energy source. Helps lower monthly utility bills. Online quote requests. Multiple financing plans and options. 25-year warranty. | Read reviews |
Ameco Solar
| 4.6
59 reviews
| Specializes in solar panels and roofing solutions. Online estimate. Installs solar panels, batteries and EV charging stations. Shingle, flat and tile roofing services. 3D home visualizer. 40-year workmanship warranty. | Learn More |
Sunlux
| 3.8
580 reviews
| Sells panels, inverters and batteries. Includes monitoring, full-service installation and 25-year warranty on parts, labor and repairs. Offers purchase, finance, lease and energy prepay options. Available in California and Texas. | Read reviews |
California Home Solar
| 5.0
View profile
| Southern California solar installations for homes and businesses. HVAC, roofing, insulation, window and ground-mounted installations also available. Pay upfront or financing through a loan or PACE funding. | Read reviews |
EcoSolar USA
| 4.0
View profile
| Residential and commercial solar energy system installations and monitoring in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. Offers 25-year complete system and 10-year workmanship warranties on products from SunPower. | Read reviews |
Nexgen Construction Services
| 1.0
View profile
| Residential solar installation and maintenance, storage batteries, generators and EV charging in the Orange County region of California. 25-year warranty on solar modules with parts from Enphase Energy. | Read reviews |
Sunlogix Energy
| 1.0
View profile
| Offers free estimates for residential and commercial customers. Installations performed in Orange County and throughout the Coachella Valley region. Offers several solar brands with warranties and financing available. | Read reviews |
1SolarRite
| No reviews | Solar installer serving southern California with systems for home, business and industrial use. Also installs EV chargers. Offers products from a variety of manufacturers including Canadian Solar and Enphase Energy. | |
Alderete Solar
| No reviews | Residential solar energy system installation, pool design and construction services for parts of the Orange County area in California. 25-year warranties on systems with parts from SolarEdge and Solaria. Free quotes available. | |
American Solar Pros
| No reviews | Specializes in residential solar installations. Offers products from Panasonic, REC Group, Sharp, SMA and Xantrex. Offers 10-year workmanship warranties and 10-25 year manufacturer's warranties. | |
Asgard Energy
| No reviews | Asgard Energy is a San Diego-based solar installer servicing homes and businesses in San Diego County, Los Angeles, Orange County and Temecula. Products from ChargePoint, Enphase Energy, FranklinWH and Tesla | |
Barnes Solar
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy systems throughout much of Southern California. Buy systems outright or finance through loans, leases or PPAs. Offers 25-year labor and workmanship warranties on all installations. | |
Bedrock Solar
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy system installation and batteries for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties in Southern California. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. Free quotes available. | |
Blalock Electric & Solar Inc.
| No reviews | Residential and small commercial solar installer offering roofing and electrical services in parts of California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County. | |
Bright Life Solar
| No reviews | Solar installation, energy efficient remodeling, HVAC and EV charging for homes in southern California. Brands like Canadian Solar and Enphase. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Loans and leases available or pay upfront. | |
Crown Solar Electric
| No reviews | Residential solar installer with services across parts of southern California. Offers grid-tied solar systems for the home. System components from Enphase Energy, LG, Panasonic and Qcells. | |
Current Home
| No reviews | Provides solar services, battery backup and roofing. Offers home improvement services. Reports to have a streamlined installation process with experts who take care of permits and setup. Only available in Florida and California. | |
EcoForce Solutions
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installer throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. Also provides HVAC, lighting and automation services. Financing options available through loans, leases and power purchase agreements. | |
ElectriCare
| No reviews | Solar energy system installer serving homes across Southern California. Solar maintenance services also available. 25-year system warranty. Financing available in the form of loans. | |
Firefly Energy
| No reviews | Residential solar power system installations and energy storage in parts of California. Offers a 25-year complete system warranty that includes performance, labor and parts on SunPower systems. Free consultations available. | |
Forme Solar
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar panel installer servicing parts of California. Flexible financing options, such as loans, leases and PACE funds. Systems include 25-year workmanship warranties. | |
Gimenergy
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar panel design and installation plus energy monitoring and storage services. Products from Solaria. Serves all of California. Warranties and financing available. | |
Home Energy Systems
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installers offering services throughout parts of Southern California. Manufacturers’ warranties include 10 years on installation and workmanship plus five years on equipment monitoring. | |
HPM Solar
| No reviews | Develops solar and energy management solutions for residential, commercial and nonprofit customers. Free solar analysis and custom proposal. Specializes in grid-tied residential and small commercial systems. | |
Infinity Solar, Inc.
| No reviews | Residential and commercial installation of solar energy systems and energy storage in parts of Southern California. Offers a 30-year monitoring and warranty protection plan. Finance through a loan. Free quotes available. | |
Luxlight Solar Energy
| No reviews | Residential and commercial installation of solar energy systems across 14 California counties and the Reno area. Pay upfront or finance through a loan. Free estimates available upon request. | |
Meta Solar
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar panel installer covering Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties in California. All components covered by a 25-year warranty. | |
Mohr Power Solar
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy systems as well as solar pool and water heating. Financing available, including PACE funding. Serves Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. | |
Mynt Solar
| No reviews | Residential solar installation, roofing and energy storage across California, Nevada and Utah. Offers 1-year money back production guarantee on solar production. Buying options include cash and zero down financing. | |
Pacific Blue Solar
| No reviews | Small business that specializes in residential solar installations throughout southern California. Offers equipment from Enphase Energy, Mission Solar Energy and SolarWorld. Free consultations available. | |
Palomar Solar & Roofing
| No reviews | Escondido, California-based Enphase solar installer offering residential, commercial and industrial solar and roofing services in Southern California. Warranties and financing options available. | |
ReVamp Energy
| No reviews | Residential, commercial and nonprofit solar energy systems installations plus energy storage in parts of Southern California. Offers products from brands like Phono Solar, Enphase Energy and Tesla Powerwall. | |
Revco Solar
| No reviews | Installs solar energy systems and pool heaters in much of southern California. Offers financing on systems with components from Enphase Energy, FAFCO, LG Electronics, Qcells, SMA and SolarEdge. | |
Rivertown Energy
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy system design, installation and maintenance services across parts of New Jersey and New York. Offers zero-down financing. Free quotes available. | |
Sol Reliable
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installation, solar pool heating, EV chargers and more in southern California. 25-year warranty on panels and production. Pay upfront with cash or finance through loans, PPAs or PACE funding. | |
Sol Solutions Today
| No reviews | Sol Solutions Today: Sol Solutions Today offers residential solar installation, solar fans, insulation and other home services. Manufactures its own solar panels. Based in San Diego and available throughout the West Coast. | |
SunGreen Systems
| No reviews | Commercial solar energy system installations throughout southern California. Equipment from Mitsubishi and Sharp. Offers a 25-year production warranty. Pay upfront or finance through a lease, loan, PACE funding or PPAs. | |
Vasco Solar Energy
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installers servicing Orange County, California. Also offers solar pool heating and hot water system installations. Equipment from Enphase, Solaria and others. Financing options available. | |
Semper Solaris
| 1.0
View profile
| Semper Solaris offers home solar panel installations, energy storage and roofing services. Silfab, Qcells and Enphase equipment available. Based in California. Also available in parts of Texas, Florida and Arizona. | Read reviews |
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include: