Best Solar Companies in Anaheim, California

We compared 3 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Ameco Solar
      5.0(47)
    • Long-term savings
      OC Solar
      4.8(12)
    • Equipment options
      Sunlux
      4.4(577)
    +2 more
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Anaheim, California

    Our top solar company picks for Irvine

    1. Best overall: Ameco Solar
    2. Our pick for long-term savings: OC Solar
    3. Our pick for equipment options: Sunlux

    To pick the best solar companies in Anaheim, we compared popular California solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. 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 ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

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    The best solar companies in Anaheim

    Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Anaheimites’ energy needs.

    Our top pick overall
    Ameco Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    40 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    1974

    Ameco Solar has a good reputation for helpful reps, fair pricing and efficient installations. It also has one of the longest warranties we’ve ever seen a solar company offer.

    • “Ameco was very quick to assist me with any questions or concerns that I had regarding the process and timeline. Everyone that I interacted with was very kind and friendly, and the entire process worked out very smoothly.” — Claire in Anaheim
    • “If you are looking for a reliable and professional solar and roofing company, then AMECO Solar and Roofing is just what you need. Their team of professionals not only showed expertise in their craft, but also display a level of transparency and trust that was comforting. Their team patiently explained the process while helping us choose the right options for our needs. The installation was completed quickly and neatly.” — Martin in Garden Grove
    • “Their expertise in solar panel installation and high-efficiency roofing solutions is truly impressive. The fact that they offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, battery installation for backup storage, and a range of roofing services, including shingle, tile, and flat roofs, makes them a one-stop shop for all our energy needs. The team's professionalism and dedication to delivering quality solutions were evident from the beginning. They not only ensured a seamless installation process but also took care of all the necessary permits and paperwork.” — Davis in Santa Ana 

    You might need to replace your roof before installing solar panels, especially if you live in an older home. Solar panels last 25 to 30 years, so you need your roof to last at least as long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, replace the roof and reinstall the panels — an expensive and frustrating process.

    Headquartered in Valley Village, Ameco is available to residential and commercial customers throughout California. Ameco generally charges between $25,000 and $30,000 for residential solar installations (before any financial incentives are applied).

    • Services: Solar panels, composite shingle roofing, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and roof replacements are available. Post-installation, Ameco provides solar panel production tracking via app or website.
    • Warranty information: Installations come with a 40-year warranty on the solar equipment.
    • Payment options: Reps can help you find financing through solar loans if needed.

    Pros

    • Great warranty
    • Good customer service
    • Roofing services available
    • NABCEP certified
    • Lots of local experience

    Cons

    • Possible installation delays
    • No in-house financing
    Our pick for long-term savings
    OC Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    22.2%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2016

    OC Solar provides informative and efficient service, and its customers typically end up with significant energy bill savings. It’s the Exclusive Panasonic Elite Dealer for Orange County.

    • “The first part of the process was good. The rep was very informative. It was very quick and easy and informative. … My bill has already dropped immensely. From start to finish, it was seamless. They had great customer service and they did quality work. I'm happy.” — Winnie in Anaheim 

    Some OC Solar reviewers have told us about issues with communication and delays in the installation process. For instance, one customer in Anaheim said it took a while to get approval from the City. However, these types of delays can happen with any solar company.

    OC Solar is a Panasonic-authorized solar panel and battery installer based in Orange County, California. The company does as many as 100 installations each month, according to CEO Vincent Curcie.

    • Services: Installers specialize in solar installations with home battery backup, ongoing equipment maintenance and roofing services.
    • Warranty information: OC Solar provides 25-year installation and product warranties.
    • Payment options: Multiple financing options are available with low- or no-down-payment options. Terms range from 60 to 240 months.

    Pros

    • Great customer service
    • Accurate cost estimates
    • Quality solar equipment
    • Lots of local experience

    Cons

    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some communication issues
    Our pick for equipment options
    Sunlux
    Max. panel efficiency
    19.7%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan and lease
    Year founded
    2012

    Sunlux is a top-rated solar company in Southern California. We like that it has a range of solar equipment options. Its 24/7 monitoring app lets you easily track your system’s performance, and tech support is on standby if anything goes wrong.

    • “The whole experience was very positive and I liked the salesman. My interactions with them were easy and accessible. I didn’t have to run around trying to call them and I was able to get a hold of somebody” — Donna in Anaheim

    We’ve heard some minor complaints about installation delays, communication issues or billing problems. Solar panel installations are complicated projects, and there’s always the chance of mix-ups or misunderstandings.

    Sunlux specializes in residential solar panel installations with battery backup systems. It’s available throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine and Valencia.

    • Services: Reps can coordinate financing, EV charging and smart home solutions, as well as roofing services if needed.
    • Warranty information: Sunlux has two tiers of warranty options. The standard warranty covers your system's installation and physical components (panels, inverter and racking) for 25 years. With Platinum Protection, Sunlux also covers labor for repairs and guarantees the energy your system generates for 25 years.
    • Payment options: Sunlux accepts cash and third-party loans. It also has leases and prepaid leasing plans.

    Pros

    • Lots of local experience
    • 24/7 system monitoring
    • Flexible financing options
    • Lifetime customer support

    Cons

    • No in-house financing
    • Some customer service complaints

    How we chose the best solar companies in Anaheim

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the Mediterranean-type climate, to choose the best solar companies in Anaheim, California, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

    • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
    • Warranty terms: 20%
    • Equipment selection: 20%
    • Financing and payment options: 20%

    » MORE: Full methodology

    Solar Companies in Anaheim Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

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      Anaheim solar panel buyers guide

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Anaheim residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $19,153 in Anaheim.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Anaheim may falsely claim to be affiliated with an Orange County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Anaheim

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Anaheim are comparable, ranging from $8,155 to $23,300.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing. It’s worth considering if California’s net metering rates continue to decline or if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Anaheim household needs a system with a capacity of 8.22 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Anaheim

      How can I pay for solar panels? 

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
      • Free solar panels: The Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program, run by GRID Alternatives, offers no-cost rooftop solar installations for income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities. Find out if you live in an eligible community using this map from the California Environmental Protection Agency.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Anaheim?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Anaheim homeowners with solar panels can avoid $52,883 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      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?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Anaheim

      In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: California requires solar contractors to hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Anaheim solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. This is a significant incentive for many homeowners.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Are there any other solar incentives in Anaheim?

      Residents can take advantage of statewide solar incentives in California, including Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates for homeowners who install battery storage systems with their solar panels. The city also runs the Income-Qualified Solar Power Discount Program for low-income households and various energy efficiency rebates​:

      • California Energy Commission: The California Energy Commission (CEC) offers various incentives and rebates, including incentives for solar water heating systems and energy efficiency upgrades, which can be combined with solar installations to maximize overall savings​.
      • Net metering: In California, net metering lets homeowners with solar panels send excess energy into the grid in exchange for credits on their utility bills. These credits help offset future energy costs, reducing overall electricity expenses and making solar energy more affordable.

      » GREENEST STATES: California ranked 17th in 2024

      Will solar panels increase my property taxes?

      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.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      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.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      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 range from 19% to 23%, which means 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.

      Is my house a good candidate for solar?

      A relatively slanted roof with plenty of unshaded space is best. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch (very steep). Here are a couple of other questions to ask yourself:

      • How much sunlight do I get? Anaheim gets a good amount of sunlight. The state averages 5 to 7.5 peak sun hours every day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, whether from trees or tall buildings, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home.
      • How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Anaheim

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Anaheim, California. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Anaheim customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks: 

      1. Ameco Solar
      2. OC Solar
      3. Sunlux

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. California Solar & Storage Association, “Thinking About Going Solar?” Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        2. DSIRE, "California Programs." Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Anaheim, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Anaheim, 2024?" Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in California.” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        6. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in California, 2024?” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        7. Solar Energy Industries Association, "California Solar." Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        8. Federal Trade Commission Consumer, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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