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Best Solar Companies in Irvine, CA

We compared 39 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

  • Top overal
    Sunlux
    4.0(580)
  • Customizable upgrades
    LA Solar Group
    3.7(17)
  • Long-term savings
    OC Solar
    4.9(24)

Best Solar Companies in Irvine, CA

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

Our top 3 solar company picks for Irvine

  1. Best overall: Sunlux
  2. Customizable upgrades: LA Solar Group
  3. High-quality equipment: OC Solar

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.

The best solar companies in Irvine

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

Our top pick overall
Sunlux
Sunlux
4.0
580 reviews
Max. panel efficiency
19.7%
Panel warranty
25 years
Payment options
Cash, loan and lease
Year founded
2012
Get Started Read Reviews

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

  • “Everybody at SunLux was amazing. They would call me whenever there was a delay of any sort and they would let me know the process we were in every step of the way.” — Ivy in Irvine
  • “We wanted to save money long term and since the utility companies are out of control, we decided to go solar. SunLux's price was right. They also offered to do a lot of the permitting which was easy for me and that process went fine. Their rep did very well” — Tom in Irvine

Mitch in Irvine told us that more “consistent product delivery” is the area Sunlux could improve on the most. Supply chain issues can make it difficult for reps to stick with a specific solar panel vendor. He was still satisfied overall, though. “Sunlux had the slightly smaller panels that are more conducive, so I went with them. I liked the rep's level of communication,” Mitch said.

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
Our pick for customizable upgrades
LA Solar Group
LA Solar Group
3.7
17 reviews
Max. panel efficiency
Varies
Panel warranty
25 years
Payment options
Cash, loan, lease, PPA
Year founded
2010
Read Reviews

LA Solar Group gets consistently positive feedback on its competitive pricing and overall good service. You can expect helpful customer service, a streamlined installation process and lower monthly bills after the project is complete.

  • “When I chose LA Solar, they were prompt with their service of coming out to do the job and the job was done for what we agreed on. The permits took the longest, getting it approved. But the installation only took a day or two. We've seen a lower monthly bill since we got the system. There's a good payback after eight years and the process of doing it is easy.” — Kevin in Rancho Santa Margarita

We’ve heard some minor complaints about installation delays, communication issues or billing problems.

LA Solar Group specializes in residential, commercial and government solar panel installations. It’s an authorized Tesla installer, so it has high-performance solar panels with a sleek, black-on-black design. It also has four monitoring app options to track energy output and usage: Enphase, SolarEdge, Hoymiles and Tesla. The company is based in San Fernando, California, and currently serves California, Nevada, Texas and Hawaii.

  • Services: Solar panel installations, EV charging solutions and roofing services are available.
  • Warranty information: The company also stands out for its 25-year performance guarantee and roof leak warranty.
  • Payment options: Financing partners includes Mosaic, Sunlight Financial, Sungage Financial and others. You can also enter a lease or PPA.

Pros

  • Overall positive reviews
  • Solid warranty and performance guarantee
  • Lots of local experience

Cons

  • Some complaints about billing
  • Some installation delays
Our pick for long-term savings
OC Solar
OC Solar
4.9
24 reviews
Max. panel efficiency
22.2%
Panel warranty
25 years
Payment options
Cash, loan
Year founded
2016
Read Reviews

OC Solar provides informative and efficient service, and its customers typically end up with significant utility bill savings. It’s the Exclusive Panasonic Elite Dealer for Orange County. Small residential solar installations typically start between $12,000 and $24,000.

  • “Orange County Solar was very good. They came out, gave an estimate and they were quick and professional about it. They also stood by their estimates, so nothing ever changed once I made my decision. The timelines were realistic too.” — Mark in Irvine

Some OC Solar reviewers have told us about issues with communication and delays in the installation process. For instance, Mark in Irvine got behind because of weather conditions.

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

How we chose the best solar companies in Irvine

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 Irvine, 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 Irvine Buyers Guide

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Irvine solar panel buyers guide

ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Irvine 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 $16,614 in Irvine. However, you can finance or lease with minimal upfront costs.

Jump to insight

On average, Irvine homeowners with solar panels avoid $59,761 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Jump to insight

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

Jump to insight

Solar panel costs in Irvine

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Irvine are comparable, ranging from $8,260 to $23,600.

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 Irvine household needs a system with a capacity of 7.04 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 Irvine

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 Irvine?

Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Irvine homeowners with solar panels can avoid $59,761 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 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 3.9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Most people finance or lease their systems. Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs in Irvine and elsewhere, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

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. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

How to find a reputable solar company in Irvine

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 Orange County

As energy prices rise and local utility companies adjust net metering policies (which reduce compensation for solar exports), having a battery could provide more savings and control over your energy use.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Irvine

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 Irvine, 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 Irvine 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. LA Solar Group
  3. OC Solar

Irvine solar FAQ

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? Irvine 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.

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

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. 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.

Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

Don’t get confused: A tax credit directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

Are there any other solar incentives in Irvine?

The Solarize Irvine program provides discounted group pricing for solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Additional solar incentives in California, including state tax credits and rebates, can be combined with federal incentives to maximize savings.

  • Self-Generation Incentive Program: The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates for homeowners installing battery storage systems with solar panels.
  • California Energy Commission: The California Energy Commission (CEC) offers incentives for solar water heating systems and energy efficiency upgrades, which can be combined with solar installations to maximize overall savings​.
  • Property tax exemption: 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.
How does net metering work in Irvine?

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.

If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, the extra is sent back to the Southern California Edison (SCE) grid. Currently, SCE credits you based on the "avoided cost" of energy, which is typically lower than the retail rate. This value changes with the time of day and year.

» GREENEST STATES: California ranked 17th in 2024

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.

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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 Irvine, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
    4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Irvine, 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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