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Best Solar Companies in Escondido, CA

We compared 51 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      3.8(580)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.3(3,574)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(218)

    Best Solar Companies in Escondido, CA

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
    Author picture
    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our top 3 solar company picks for Escondido

    1. Best overall: Sunlux
    2. Solar leases: Sunrun
    3. DIY projects: ShopSolar

    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.

    Our top pick overall

    Sunlux

    Sunlux
    3.8
    580 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    19.7%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan and lease
    Year founded
    2012
    Read Reviews
    Special Offer

    $6 for 6 Mo Solar Lease Promotion

    For January 2026 Lease a solar energy system from Sunlux for $6 for 6 Months!

    Sunlux is a top-rated solar company in Southern California. We like that it has a range of 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.

    • “I recommend SunLux for solar without reserve. Electricity is getting more expensive and their customer ratings and working with them initially for the quotes helped me choose them. My panels got installed in December of 2019 and everyone I dealt with through the whole process, from beginning to end, was very professional. They took care of everything, and there were no surprises. It was exactly as they had advertised. The cost is great as well. I paid less than I expected.” — Scott in Escondido
    • “SunLux installed our system at the end of last year, and we have been online since January. We decided to go with a ground mounted system, and so far we are very pleased with the results. We decided to go with them after hearing their advertisements on the radio. We appreciate how Sunlux has a very strong customer service team that is proactive to check on how things are going or answer any questions.” — R. in Escondido

    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 Escondido.

    • 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
    • Some installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    Our pick for solar leases

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    4.3
    3,574 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Sunrun's leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits.

    • “Sunrun offered the best deal. The person that came and did the presentation was very helpful, and the installation was great. It went by without any issues. The system's working fine. I track it every day through the app.” — Lester in Escondido

    Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

    Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

    • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
    • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
    • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. With leases, there’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.
    Pros
    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring
    Cons
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional billing issues
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    ShopSolar is our go-to pick for DIY projects. It has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

    Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements. 

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your home’s energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
    • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
    • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.
    Pros
    • Great for RVs and outbuildings
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

    How we chose the best solar companies in Escondido

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the mild year-round Mediterranean climate, to choose the best solar companies in Escondido, 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 Escondido Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunlux logo
    Sunrun logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Escondido 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 $16,344 in Escondido.

      Jump to insight

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

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Escondido may falsely claim to be affiliated with a San Diego County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Escondido

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,005 to $22,871 in California. Prices in Escondido are comparable, ranging from $7,928 to $22,651.

      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 Escondido household needs a system with a capacity of 7.2 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 solar panel costs by system size in Escondido

      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.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Escondido?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Escondido homeowners with solar panels can avoid $108,915 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      For a lot of homeowners, the main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5.17 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 Escondido

      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 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

      Going solar in San Diego County

      Local jurisdictions in San Diego County may have specific building codes, zoning laws, or fire department regulations for solar installations. For example, there may be restrictions on panel placement, especially for homes in fire-prone areas.

      Escondido solar FAQ

      Are there any other solar incentives in Escondido?

      Residents can also 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.

      • 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. However, recent changes (NEM 3.0) have reduced the value of credits.
      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 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? Escondido 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.

      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.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Escondido

      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 Escondido, 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 Escondido 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. Sunlux
      2. Sunrun
      3. ShopSolar

      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 Escondido, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Escondido, 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 (SEIA), "California Solar." Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        8. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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