Best Solar Companies in San Bernardino, California

Best San Bernardino solar companies

Solar isn't just an investment; it's a lifestyle choice. We've focused on companies that understand the unique needs of San Bernardino homeowners.

How we chose the best solar companies in San Bernardino

We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the semiarid Mediterranean-type climate, to choose the best solar companies in San Bernardino, 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

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.

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 5 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.

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