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Best Solar Companies in San Diego, CA

We compared 85 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunlux
      3.9(580)
    • Warranty Coverage
      Ameco Solar
      4.4(55)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,482)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in San Diego, CA

    Going solar can be a big investment. This page highlights companies best equipped to meet most San Diego residents’ solar energy needs.

    Sunlux is our pick for the top solar panel installer in San Diego. Ameco Solar has a longer warranty, which provides peace of mind if anything goes wrong post-installation. Budget-conscious homeowners should consider Sunrun for its zero-down leasing option.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
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    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    NOTE: The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) expires on Dec. 31, 2025.

    Our 3 picks for the best solar companies in San Diego

    Best overall

    Sunlux

    Sunlux
    3.9
    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 stands out for its competitive pricing, good customer service and quality solar panels. 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 to consider: Sunlux might not be the best fit if you have a tile roof, according to Valeria in San Diego. Part of her tile roof would have to be removed and replaced with shingles, costing an extra $15,000.

    “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 San Diego, CA
    “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 San Diego, CA
    “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 San Diego, CA

    Sunlux specializes in residential solar panel installations with battery backup systems. It’s available throughout Southern California, including San Diego.

    • 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 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
    Customizable upgrades

    Ameco Solar

    Ameco Solar
    4.4
    55 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    40 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    1974
    Learn More Read Reviews

    Ameco Solar has one of the longest warranties we’ve seen: Installations come with a 40-year warranty on equipment. It is a one-stop shop for solar panels, backup batteries, EV charging stations and roofing services.

    Ameco has a long track record of providing solar installations at a fair price throughout California. The company generally charges between $25,000 and $30,000 for residential solar installations.

    Sales reps can help you explore available financial incentives and financing options.

    What to consider: Happy customers praise Ameco reps for their professionalism, expertise and attention to detail. However, there have been some complaints about installation delays.

    “Tigran is very helpful! He called me right after I texted him and fixed the issue with my system. He gave us some valuable information on how to prevent this from happening again.”
    Majda San Diego, CA
    “I was having trouble with my Powerwall not charging and they diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently.. The problem turned out to be that I had signed up for the virtual power plant so the generated electricity was going to the grid instead of my battery.”
    Scott La Jolla, CA

    Headquartered in Valley Village, Ameco is available to residential and commercial customers throughout California. 

    • 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
    • Lots of experience
    • NABCEP certified
    • Roofing services available
    • Electric vehicle (EV) charging options
    Cons
    • Occasional delays
    • Somewhat limited availability
    • No in-house financing
    Our pick for solar leases

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    4.2
    3,482 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, setup or permits.

    Many San Diego customers are happy with their cost savings. People have also praised the company for its informative sales team and smooth installation process. 

    What to consider: Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

    “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 San Diego, CA
    “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 San Diego, CA

    Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from LG and other reputable manufacturers. 

    • 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
    • Possible installation delays
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

    How we chose the best solar companies in San Diego

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team looked at many solar companies in San Diego. We compared reviews, equipment, warranties, financing and other factors to pick the best ones for this guide. Some of the companies are Authorized Partners that may pay us. This does not change our ratings, but it may affect the order in which the companies appear. 

    Our editors and research team worked together to choose the companies with the best track record in San Diego. Here are the main things we looked at:

    Customer reviews (40%)

    We studied reviews from real customers in San Diego. Companies with more 4- and 5-star reviews scored higher.

    Warranties (20%)

    A long warranty shows that a company stands behind its work. We compared warranties on equipment and installation. The best companies offered 10 to 25 years of protection.

    Equipment options (20%)

    We checked what types of solar panels, batteries, and inverters each company offers. Companies with more choices or special technology ranked higher.

    Financing and payment (20%)

    We gave extra points to companies that offer different payment plans and clear terms.

    Compare more solar panel installers in San Diego

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    Solar Companies in San Diego Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunlux logo
    Ameco Solar logo
    Sunrun logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      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 $13,747 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 $108,915 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

      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.

      1. 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).

      2. Read reviews

      Look for solar company reviews that talk about clear communication, energy savings and ongoing support. Avoid installers with lots of complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures or billing issues.

      3. 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

      Solar panel costs in San Diego

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,005 to $22,871 in California. Prices in San Diego are comparable, ranging from $8,166 to $23,332.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000.

      A solar 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.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in San Diego

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average San Diego 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.

      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

      Can I get 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.

      Going solar in San Diego County

      In San Diego, most home solar installations need an electrical permit, which costs about $150 to $175. If you live in unincorporated San Diego County, permits are free under the Green Building Incentive program, which helps lower solar installation costs.

      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 $108,915 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 5.17 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      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.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      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.
      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).

      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. County of San Diego, “Getting Started with Solar Photovoltaic.” Accessed Aug. 3, 2025.
        2. California Solar & Storage Association, “Thinking About Going Solar?” Accessed Aug. 3, 2025.
        3. DSIRE, "California Programs." Accessed Aug. 3, 2025.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association, "California Solar." Accessed Aug. 3, 2025.
        5. Federal Trade Commission Consumer, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Aug. 3, 2025.

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