Best Solar Companies in Oceanside, CA

We compared 77 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      4.5(577)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,996)
    • Competitive pricing
      Project Solar
      4.8(75)

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      Best Solar Companies in Oceanside, CA

      Our top solar company picks for Oceanside

      1. Best overall: Sunlux
      2. Our pick for solar leases: Sunrun
      3. Our pick for competitive pricing: Project Solar

      To pick the best solar companies in Oceanside, 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.
      • 4,547,329 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.

      Compare the top 3 solar companies in Oceanside

      The best solar companies in Oceanside

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

      • “Signing up was a smooth process. All of my questions were answered. There is a project manager assigned to your account. The installation was done timely.  They cleaned up and left the roof neat.  They came back a few months after installation to check that the system was working. The system is working as promised.  I would recommend Sunlux to anyone.” — Katrina in Oceanside
      • “I had a really good experience with the sales guy and the contractor did a fantastic job. I'm satisfied with the set-up process.” — Johnny in Oceanside
      • “SunLux was great to work with. … The install and roofing went smoothly and when I wanted something fixed quickly they handled it. Our solar install looks amazing and better than the neighbors.” — Jessica in Oceanside

      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 Oceanside.

      • 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

      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      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's sales rep and installation crew were all top-notch. When they came out, there were six people working. Nobody was wasting time. They were done in good shape. The whole thing from the initial visit to completion was very well done.” — Nathan in Oceanside
      • “The reps with Sunrun were very informative. They explained everything to me and answered all my questions. … We love our solar energy system. I pay almost nothing. We paid off half of the solar panels. My goal is to pay it off within five years, and I'll get it paid off within three years. After that, it's free.” — John in Oceanside

      The only negative part about Sunrun, according to Kan in Oceanside, is that the company hires contractors to do the installations. We also suggest reading 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, 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
      Our pick for competitive pricing

      Project Solar

      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2016

      Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      • “Having spent countless hours/days/weeks trying to decide which solar company to use, dealing with the other guys and their salespeople, it was a breath of fresh air to find Project Solar! Quite aside from fabulous price (which was considerably lower than the nearest competitor), Project Solar’s team do a great job of finding the right balance between being there when you need them, and never hassling you to sign a deal. That kind of approach is (as you’ll find out while shopping for solar) different, very welcome, and a deal-maker for me.” — Edwin in San Diego

      The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about some delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase.

      • Services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
      • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

      Pros

      • DIY or pro install
      • Easy sign-up process
      • High-quality equipment
      • Transparent pricing

      Cons

      • Occasional miscommunications
      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing

      How we chose the best solar companies in Oceanside

      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 Oceanside, 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

      Oceanside solar panel buyers guide

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Oceanside 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 $14,632 in Oceanside.

      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 Oceanside may falsely claim to be affiliated with a San Diego County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Oceanside

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in Oceanside are comparable, ranging from $8,680 to $24,800.

      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 Oceanside household needs a system with a capacity of 5.9 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 Oceanside

      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 Oceanside?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Oceanside homeowners with solar panels can avoid $54,880 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      There’s also the environmental benefit of reducing your carbon footprint. Though the impact of a single homeowner installing solar panels might seem small, when enough people in a city like Oceanside go solar, the cumulative reduction in air pollution can be significant.

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

      At the end of the day, solar power can be a good investment in San Diego County, thanks to high electricity prices and available incentives. 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.

      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 Oceanside

      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

      If your home is near the coast, exposure to salty air can corrode solar equipment. Choosing durable, corrosion-resistant materials and scheduling regular maintenance can help extend the life span of your system.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked 5th in 2024

      Oceanside 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 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.

      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, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Are there any other solar incentives in Oceanside?

      Local utility companies, such as San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), offer incentives like net metering, which allows homeowners to sell excess solar energy back to the grid, reducing electricity bills.

      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.

      Additionally, 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.

      » 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.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Oceanside

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