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Best Solar Companies in San Bernardino, California

We compared 34 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      4.0(580)
    • Long warranty
      Ameco Solar
      4.6(48)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,184)

    Best Solar Companies in San Bernardino, California

    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 San Bernardino

    1. Best overall: Sunlux
    2. Great warranty: Ameco Solar
    3. Affordable solar leases: Sunrun

    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
    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 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 went with solar energy because it is a good idea and I wanted to be able to maintain my household in the event of shut-off -- they are turning off the power for high wind and fire event. SunLux was quite responsive and they had better equipment. They had good prices and service, too. The installation went very smoothly. Overall, it's been fantastic. I would highly recommend them.” — Kathye in San Bernardino
    • “The sales rep was great. He was very patient, answered all my questions and concerns, really listened to my wants and needs and came up with a reasonable timetable as to when things would get accomplished. The cost is a little bit higher than norm, but it’s expected because of the quality of work that SunLux does.” — Arthur in San Bernardino
    • “We had gotten solar on our home and we had wanted to do that in our office, and we saw the opportunity to do it. So, we did it. Everything is going pretty good with SunLux except that the electric company is still charging us. But other than that, the enrollment process wasn’t really difficult. The installation was a little delayed because we had some roofing, but it was okay. I’m satisfied with my solar panels.” — Maria in San Berndarino

    “The installation went well except for one thing,” Marvin in San Bernardino told us. “We had the instrument put inside our garage so that they weren’t outside. The installers came and they put everything in the way they normally would. But when the inspector came last week, he couldn’t approve it because he said that whenever you put that instrument inside the garage, there has to be a panel outside the garage and inside, not just outside. We wish the installers would have known that going inside that they needed to do that.”

    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.

    • Energy services: Reps can coordinate financing, electric vehicle (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
    Ameco Solar
    4.6
    48 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    40 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    1974
    Learn More Read Reviews

    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. Overall, Californians have had positive experiences with Ameco Solar reps, praising their knowledge, professionalism and prompt responses.

    • “The installation didn’t take long and whenever we had questions, they didn’t hesitate to answer our questions. The team was very friendly and (knowledgeable) and definitely would recommended for those who are looking for solar options.” — Justin in San Bernardino

    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).

    • Energy services: Solar panels, composite shingle roofing, 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 solar leases
    Sunrun
    Sunrun
    4.2
    3,184 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 owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

    • “Everybody did a good job in getting the plan together and then the installation. Everything has been going well so far.” — Dan in San Bernardino

    “The experience with Sunrun was okay, except I have other issues with them,” Mildred in San Bernardino told us. “They were okay putting up everything. But when they put the panels up on the roof, some of the little square metal pieces are bending up off the roof. It looks tacky.”

    Cheryl in San Bernardino said their system didn’t produce as expected, and others have expressed concerns about the contract terms. As with any contract, read the fine print carefully.

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

    • Energy 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. 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

    Solar Companies in San Bernardino Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      San Bernardino solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what San Bernardinoans should look 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 $16,566 in San Bernardino.

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

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in San Bernardino

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in San Bernardino are comparable, ranging from $7,910 to $22,600.

      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, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into San Bernardino’s net metering program. System size is the other major solar cost factor.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in San Bernardino

      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.
      • The Western Riverside Council of Governments offers affordable solar financing through the Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) program. Financing is capped at a percentage of your property’s value, and total property taxes and assessments cannot exceed 5% of the property's market value.
      • 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.
      • Power purchase agreements let a third party install and maintain solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s usually a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in San Bernardino?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, San Bernardino homeowners with solar panels can avoid $106,870 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 3.9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs in San Bernardino 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.

      Considering California averages 5 to 7.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. 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 San Bernardino

      In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Below are some hiring tips. The California Solar Consumer Informational Guide is another helpful resource.

      • Check certifications: You can verify a solar contractor’s license through the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State Licensing 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.
      • Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, 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.

      Going solar in San Bernardino County

      With high solar potential, San Bernardino homeowners can maximize energy production year-round. However, persistent smog or dust in the region may require frequent panel cleaning to maintain efficiency.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

      Residential solar panel incentives in San Bernardino

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most San Bernardino homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install 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.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

      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.

      You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in California to maximize savings.

      For instance, you may be eligible for rebates through the Self-Generation Incentive Program. Solar equipment is also exempt from property taxes, meaning your property tax bill won't go up because your solar panels increase your home’s market value.

      San Bernardino solar FAQ

      How do I know what size solar system I need?

      The average San Bernardino household needs a system with a capacity of 7.33 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.

      How does net metering work in San Bernardino?

      Net metering lets you send excess power that your solar panels generate into your local power grid. If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use in San Bernardino, the extra is sent back to the Southern California Edison (SCE) grid.

      NEM 3.0 reduced the value of excess generation credits in 2023. 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.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in San Bernardino?

      Yes, you or your installer can apply for solar permitting through San Bernardino County.

      Do I need approval from my HOA to install 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.

      » GREENEST STATES: California ranked 17th in 2024

      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 your solar panels 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 San Bernardino

      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 San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino 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. Sunrun

      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. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in San Bernardino, CA." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in California, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "California Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "California Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in California." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. Federal Trade Commission, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.
        7. California Public Utilities Commission, "Customer-Sited Renewable Energy Generation." Accessed Dec. 11, 2024.

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