Best Solar Companies in Los Angeles, California

We compared 88 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      4.5(577)
    • Great warranty
      Ameco Solar
      5.0(47)
    • Customizable upgrades
      LA Solar Group
      3.8(15)
    +2 more
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Los Angeles, California

    Our top solar company picks for Los Angeles

    1. Best overall: Sunlux
    2. Our pick for great warranty: Ameco Solar
    3. Our pick for customizable upgrades: LA Solar Group
    4. Our pick for competitive pricing: First American Solar
    5. Our pick for customer service: OC Solar

    To pick the best solar companies in Los Angeles, 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.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
    • 4,605,080 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    The best solar companies in Los Angeles

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

    Our top pick overall
    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 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.

    • “What I liked was the person I worked with was not a salesperson. He was an engineer. So, he explained technical things, but I had to make him explain them a couple of times because I was new. So, he went over and over until I got it.” — Dorlene in Los Angeles
    • “I selected four different companies and I interviewed all four. The salesman for SunLux was more knowledgeable simply because he had more years of experience in the field. I felt comfortable with that. I liked their warranty because it made me feel comfortable that they're going to be around to repair things if something goes wrong.” — Emmett in Los Angeles 
    • “The fact that SunLux had been around the longest of the companies that we looked at and where the part of the industry that their founders had come from, and the support and transparency we received on our initial call with them gave us the most confidence that they'd be able to see the project through and provide support even afterward. … For the money that we spent, we got a good product that felt quality. We got exactly what we were going in for not knowing anything about the process.” — Cameron in Los Angeles

    We’ve heard some minor complaints about communication issues or delays. For instance, Gregory in Los Angeles said it took a while for Sunlux to make a repair after the system was installed. “They come through,” he told us, “but you gotta be persistent with them.”

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

    Ameco Solar has a good local 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.

    • “I must say that the entire process was nothing short of amazing, and I am thrilled to share my positive experience. Right from the outset, the project manager, Idan, proved to be an invaluable asset. He consistently went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Throughout the installation, he kept me informed at every step, diligently addressing any concerns and providing updates on permits, scheduling, and the final installation.” — Boris in Los Angeles
    • “They’re very professional to work with and understanding when you have to reschedule.” — k. in Los Angeles

    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 customizable upgrades
    LA Solar Group
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease, PPA
    Year founded
    2010

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

    • “The installation with LA Solar was very smooth. I ended up leasing my solar panels and they explained everything to me. So far, so good.” — Swaminathan in Los Angeles
    • “LA Solar is a very good company. Since having solar, it's always been a lower monthly bill.” — Sharon in Los Angeles
    • “LA Solar is a solid local company. And they would get you started. Our system is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Whatever it costs, you're guaranteed the return on your money. It's like having a factory on top of your house making energy for you. You have to be brain-damaged not to do it if you can.” S. in Los Angeles

    S. also told us that when their system went down, LA Solar was a little slow to fix it. That was a year later, though, and it was still an overall good experience, they said. Other than that, we’ve heard relatively few complaints about installation delays and roof issues.

    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.

    • 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: LA Solar’s partner network 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
    • Roofing, EV charging and other services available

    Cons

    • Occasional installation delays
    • Possible roofing issues
    Our pick for competitive pricing
    First American Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2015

    First American Solar has a really innovative design and installation process, reasonable pricing and generally positive reviews. The installation process is often described as seamless and efficient, with a focus on maximizing solar panel efficiency.

    • “First American Solar exceeded my expectations in every way. … What really sealed the deal for me was their competitive pricing. I shopped around extensively, and First American Solar offered the best price for the highest quality panels. I highly recommend them for anyone considering a solar energy solution.” — Lilt in Burbank
    • “First American Solar has been a game-changer for me. With a pool and high energy usage, I used to dread my monthly bills. However, since I had their solar system installed, I've witnessed a dramatic decrease in my energy costs. It's been a truly transformative experience. The team was professional, efficient, and they guided me seamlessly through the entire process. Highly recommend First American Solar.” — Mary in Glendale
    • “The representatives were so honest, knowledgeable, and patient! I felt so comfortable with this company, they always made sure to meet timelines and answer all my questions. The end product was exactly what we had discussed, I would highly recommend to everyone!” — Siranush in Van Nuys

    Negative feedback is scarce, but, in some cases, a customer’s solar system did not completely cover their energy needs.

    First American Solar is a local company — headquartered in Glendale — with a great reputation throughout Southern California. The team includes solar technicians, finance experts and designers who work together to address different energy challenges.

    • Services: In addition to solar panel installations, First American Solar offers roof restorations, solar-plus-storage microgrids and EV charger installations.
    • Warranty information: Systems come with a 25-year warranty that covers your solar panels, racking, production, workmanship and roof penetration.
    • Payment options: First American Solar accepts cash, checks, credit cards, wire transfers and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments.

    Pros

    • In-house installers
    • Solid warranty
    • Transparent pricing
    • Affordable payment plans

    Cons

    • No leasing option
    • Limited pricing information available online
    Our pick for customer service
    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 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.

    • “My experience with OC Solar has been great. They did what they said they would do for the cost they quoted me. Jesse and George went above and beyond in the customer service area. Everyone showed up on time and was ready to get the job done.” — Laurie in Brea 
    • “I have contemplated for years getting solar panels for my home. Every time I looked at reviews of customers who had panels installed and never could find one that had good reviews. I didn't want to deal with the frustrations that others experienced. I was told about OC Solar by one of their customers. I can't say enough about the high level of professionalism, the exceptional level of communication and quality of work. OC Solar far exceeded my expectation.” — Charlmers in Fountain Valley

    A few OC Solar reviewers have told us about issues with communication and delays in the installation process.

    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 Los Angeles

    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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles Buyers guide

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      Los Angeles solar panel buyers guide

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Los Angeles 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 $19,128 in Los Angeles.

      Jump to insight

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

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Los Angeles County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Los Angeles

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Los Angeles are comparable, ranging from $8,400 to $24,000.

      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 Los Angeles household needs a system with a capacity of 7.97 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 Los Angeles

      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 Los Angeles?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Los Angeles homeowners with solar panels avoid $49,310 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).

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

      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 Los Angeles

      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

      Los Angeles solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a significant incentive for most homeowners going solar. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of installing solar panels.

      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.

      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, 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 Los Angeles?

      Los Angeles Department of Power & Water (LADWP) offers local solar incentives, including the Solar Incentive Program (SIP), which provides rebates for residential solar installations. Residents can also take advantage of statewide solar incentives in California, including Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates and net metering

      » 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? Los Angeles gets a good amount of sunlight. The state averages 5 to 7.5 peak sun hours every day. However, the panels might not get enough sun to sun to power your home if you have a lot of shading around your house, whether from trees or tall buildings.
      • 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. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator. As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Los Angeles

      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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles 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. Ameco Solar
      3. LA Solar Group
      4. First American Solar
      5. OC Solar

      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 Los Angeles, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 202
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Los Angeles, 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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