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Best Solar Companies in San Diego, CA

We compared 78 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      4.1(579)
    • Customizable upgrades
      LA Solar Group
      3.7(17)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.1(3,121)

    Best Solar Companies in San Diego, CA

    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 Diego

    1. Best overall: Sunlux
    2. Customizable upgrades: LA Solar Group
    3. 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.

    The best solar companies in San Diego

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

    Our top pick overall
    Sunlux
    Sunlux
    4.1
    579 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.

    • “Great company and great services. They worked with me through the entire project and made sure all my questions were answered. My electric company attempted to slow the process but SunLux keep me on pace and now I’m on solar and looking to enjoy a better electric bill.” — Reginald in San Diego
    • “We're very pleased with Sunlux. Their reps were great, very responsive and took care of all of our needs. The sales engineer, Gary, was very professional and knew what our needs would be and set us up with a system that would cover all of our needs and cover an EV in the future. Our project manager was also very responsive. … Everything's been a dream. It was turned on 11-22 and no problems. We're thrilled. Their app is also easy to use.” — Bridget in San Diego
    • “Service is one of the key items that I decided to go with SunLux and quality is one of them too. The sales guy was very approachable, responsive and always available for me if I have questions. The installation took half of the day.” — Ryan in San Diego

    Sunlux might not be the best fit if you have a tile roof. “They wanted to remove part of my roof because the tiles, they said, were too light and it was their policy not to put panels up there,” Valeria in San Diego told us. To remove the tile roofs and put shingles down would have cost an extra $15,000.

    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

    • 24/7 monitoring app with technician support
    • Lifetime customer support
    • Flexible financing options
    • Lots of local experience

    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 pricing and overall services. You can expect prompt customer service, a streamlined installation process and lower monthly bills after the project is complete.

    • “They gave me a good price. If you don't wanna go through the bidding process and do all that, you might just reach out to them or just reach out to a couple of companies. I always tell others to take a look to see what they're willing to offer. Since then, I think the panels have upgraded. They got better batteries now and this and that. They have different incentives and upgrades available. They tried to get me to get a battery. I don't have an electric car, so it was really no point except for the rolling blackouts that we may or may not have. Overall, it's been a positive experience.” — Gary in Chula Vista

    We’ve heard some minor complaints about installation delays, communication issues or billing problems. For instance, Gary in Chula Vista told us, “I had a rough start with the installation, but once they got started, things went really well from there.” Solar panel installations are complicated projects, and there’s always the chance of mix-ups or misunderstandings.

    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. The company is based in San Fernando, California, and currently services California, Nevada, Texas and Hawaii.

    • Services: We like that there are four monitoring app options to track your solar output and usage: Enphase, SolarEdge, Hoymiles and Tesla.
    • 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, Matadors Community Credit Union, Admirals Bank, EnerBank, GreenSky, Energy Loan Network, HERO, RENEW Financial and Ygrene. You can also enter a lease or PPA.

    Pros

    • Overall positive reviews
    • Solid warranty and performance guarantee
    • Roofing, EV charging and other services available
    • Lots of local experience

    Cons

    • Potential roof problems
    • Some installation delays
    Our pick for solar leases
    Sunrun
    Sunrun
    4.1
    3,121 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.

    • “My electric bill went from an average of $350 a month to negative amounts. It’s extremely hot and I have my AC on full blast. Sunrun is on top of their game. I had a problem with the fuse though but they fixed it right away and then there was a follow up by the technician and he did an awesome job.” — Marco in San Diego
    • “I've been very happy with Sunrun. … My monthly payment is lower and I can charge my car at home. Looking at the price of the gas, solar is the best way to go with an electric car. Sunrun is cheaper than SDG&E and the regular electricity. So, I'm saving some money.” — Said in San Diego

    Make sure you read 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, contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

    Pros

    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring

    Cons

    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional billing issues

    How we chose the best solar companies in San Diego

    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 San Diego, 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 San Diego Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      San Diego solar panel buyers guide

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what San Diego 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 $14,899 in San Diego. However, you can finance or lease with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      On average, San Diego homeowners with solar panels avoid $50,608 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Jump to insight

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

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in San Diego

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,645 to $24,700 in California. Prices in San Diego are comparable, ranging from $8,225 to $23,500.

      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 San Diego household needs a system with a capacity of 6.34 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 San Diego

      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.
      • 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 San Diego?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, San Diego homeowners with solar panels can avoid $50,608 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      “Going solar has been incredible,” Keith in San Diego told us. Their summertime electric bill went from around $400 to $15 — even with running the air conditioner almost constantly.

      If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. NREL’s PVWatts Calculator is a good online tool to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable free solar savings estimator.

      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).

      » 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 San Diego

      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 to 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

      San Diego requires an electrical permit for most residential solar panel installations, which costs around $150 to $175. For those in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County, there are no costs for building permits when installing solar panels. This is part of the County's Green Building Incentive program, which encourages solar adoption by reducing upfront costs.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: California ranked fifth in 2024

      San Diego solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a great incentive for most homeowners going solar. 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.

      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.

      Are there any other solar incentives in San Diego?

      Additional solar incentives in California, including state tax credits and rebates, can be combined with federal incentives.

      • San Diego Solar Equity: The San Diego Solar Equity program, sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), helps income-qualified homeowners install rooftop solar systems.
      • Self-Generation Incentive Program: The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates for homeowners who install battery storage systems with their solar panels.
      • California Energy Commission: The California Energy Commission (CEC) offers various incentives and rebates for solar water heating systems and energy efficiency upgrades, which can be combined with solar panel installations to maximize overall savings​.
      • Net metering: In California, net metering allows homeowners with solar panels to earn credits on their utility bills when they can send excess electricity into the local power grid. These credits help offset future energy costs when solar production is low, like at night or on cloudy days.

      » GREENEST STATES: California ranked 17th in 2024

      Will solar panels make my property taxes go up?

      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 photovoltaic (PV) 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.

      How long does it take to install solar panels?

      Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it takes time to design, plan and activate the system.

      “It was quite a lengthy process and it was mostly due to SDG&E dragging their feet,” one resident told us. It took them nearly a year to get everything up and running (early February to late November).

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in San Diego

      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 Diego, 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 Diego 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. 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. 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 San Diego, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in San Diego, 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.
        9. County of San Diego, “Getting Started with Solar Photovoltaic.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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