It explains the growing need for solar energy among many households. It saves on electricity bills, and you can be independent of power grids, especially during power outages. The beauty of it is that San Diego residents enjoy a range of solar incentives that reduce the installation cost significantly:
- Investment tax credit: Residents are entitled to a 30% federal solar tax credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032
- SGIP: San Diego residents powering their homes through the San Diego Gas $ and Electric (SDG&E) get rebates worth $150 for each kilowatt of battery storage installed
- DAC-SASH: California has set up a program called the Disadvantaged Communities-Single-Family Solar Homes to minimize solar installation costs for low-income households
- Property tax exclusion: San Diego is part of the California Active Solar Energy System Exclusion, which ensures solar panel systems are excluded from property tax assessment.
All such investments encourage San Diego residents to install solar panels in their homes. However, it would help if you first found reliable solar installation companies to do it. Here are 10 solar companies San Diego California (CA) you should consider:
What Should I Consider When Looking for a Solar Company?
When looking for a solar company, it would help to work with providers using high-quality solar panels. A good rule of thumb is to look for companies using Tier-1 solar panels.
Manufacturers dealing in solar panels labeled as such have complete control of the production process and dedicate their resources to research and development. The manufacturing process is often automated, yielding high-quality solar panels.
Although Tier-1 solar panels are more expensive than other kinds, you’re confident that your 25-year performance warranty is honored. Solar companies using these panels are committed to protecting their reputation hence more likely to respond to warranty claims.
Another factor you must consider is the company’s experience. With solar companies emerging every day, hiring a provider with little expertise in the solar energy sector is easy. Such companies will likely sell cheap solar panels and ignore warranty claims. Checking past customer reviews can help you determine if the provider is reliable. A good rule of thumb is to look for a provider with over five years of experience.
The Top 10 Solar Companies in San Diego
Here's a list of 10 solar companies in San Diego to help you find the best one for your home:
SolarGuru Energy: Best Overall
SolarGuru Energy is your go-to company for solar installation, maintenance, and backup solutions. It tops the list due to two main reasons. First, it’s part of the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which minimizes the installation cost significantly.
Through the program, homeowners enjoy rebates of $250/kWh, reducing the installation cost by at least 25%. Secondly, they offer two solar installation solutions- roof and ground mounts.
Roof mounts are ideal for homes with limited yard space, while ground mounts are great for homes with poor roof orientation or limited roof space. Most solar companies install roof mounts thus finding a company offering more than one installation type is a bonus.
Contact: (858) 383-6500
SolarTech: Best for Solar Battery Installation
One of the reasons you’re installing a solar system is to minimize reliance on the grid. However, solar systems don’t always provide enough energy to power homes during peak periods. That’s why adding a solar battery to your solar system is essential.
SolarTech can help you set up a solar battery and panels to ensure your home is independent of the grid, even during peak periods. The battery stores solar energy generated from the solar panels for consumption later in the day or resale.
Contact: 619-743-9193
Tesla: Best for Solar Roofing
Initially known as Solar City, Tesla is a go-to solution for residents looking to replace existing roofs with solar roofs. Solar roofs maximize solar energy production because they have a smaller footprint than traditional solar panels.
This means the solar installation company can install more panels on the roof and work around various obstructions like skylights and vents. Moreover, Tesla’s solar panels have a low-profile design that is less obstructive than mounted solar panels.
SolarCity was established in 2006, but Tesla acquired it in 2016, adding it to its portfolio as a subsidiary.
Contact: 858-558-1555
San Diego Gas & Electric: Best for Funding Solar Installation for Low-income Communities
San Diego Gas & Electric recently announced a program to help low-to-moderate-income residents living in communities affected by climate change to install roof-top solar panels at a subsidized cost.
The San Diego Solar Equity Program helps households that can’t afford the $20, $30, or $35,000 required to purchase solar panels. Eligible candidates must:
- Make at least $128,300 or less every year.
- Receive electric service from SDG&E, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), or Southern California Edison (SCE)
- Have a single-family unit as their primary residence
The program targets communities in districts 4, 7, 8, and 9, covering 100% of the solar panel cost and up to $3500 in home upgrades for houses needing extra preparation ahead of solar installations.
Contact: 800-411-7343
Green Solar Technologies Inc: Best for Energy Audit
Energy audits are necessary before installing solar systems. They provide insight into the power usage at home and help the installation company determine the right solar size for your home.
The Green Solar Technologies team performs an audit by reviewing a year’s worth of electrical bills.
This data helps them customize a solar system that matches the power needs of a home. The team also provides data charts showing when your system breaks even, allowing you to understand the value of your money. Moreover, you don’t have to enlist the services of another company for solar maintenance and monitoring; the company sends its representatives to do it.
Contact: 844 667-7661
Complete Solar: Best for Subcontracting Solar Companies
Looking for a reliable solar company can be daunting. That’s why you need to hire a contractor like Complete Solar to do it for you. The company has partnerships with over 50 small solar installation companies making it easy to find the best provider for your needs.
The beauty is that you don’t have to visit the company; you only need to download the HelopPro Alliance Program to compare different providers. You can also find lenders who provide solar financing in addition to the company’s Power Purchase Agreements.
Contact: 855 223-1370
Semper Solaris Construction: Best for Reputable Solar Panel Brands
You want to work with a solar company that uses high-quality solar panels. High-quality solar panels have a high-efficiency rating and long product and performance warranties. Semper Solaris Construction installs solar panels from Silfab and Q Cells, known for their durability and efficiency.
Silfab solar panels have an efficiency rating of 19.6%-22%, while those from Q Cells have a rating of 20.9%-21.6%. Moreover, their product warranties extend to 25 years, protecting you from getting damaged or defective panels installed.
Silfab’s performance warranty extends to 30 years guaranteeing over 85.1% performance for 25 years and 82.5% for 30 years. As such, you can rest assured that the solar system will serve you a lifetime.
Contact: (888) 210-3366
LA Solar Group: Best Solar Panel Manufacturer in San Diego
Many solar companies purchase solar panels from manufacturers like SunPower for installation. It’s not the case with LA Solar Group. Although the company began as a solar installer, it transitioned to manufacturing its line of solar panels.
Not only do you get to enlist their help for installation, but you also purchase solar panels directly. You’re probably wondering if the panels match the industry’s finest. The company manufactures monocrystalline solar panels with up to 21.8% efficiency ratings.
In addition, they have a 25-year warranty, producing 81-85% of their original output by the end of their useful life.
Contact: (818) 373-0077
Aviara Solar Contractors: Best for Solar Roof Shingle Installation
Most solar systems use solar panels to absorb solar energy and produce power. However, solar shingles make a better alternative for those looking to create a better appearance on their roofs. Aviara Solar Contractors specializes in installing solar roof shingles and solar panel installation.
Like solar panels, solar roof shingles absorb the sun’s rays and convert them to electricity, but they’re not as big as traditional solar panels. They’re about the same size as roofing shingles (12x86 inches) and weigh 13 pounds per square foot.
Moreover, depending on the number of tiles installed on the roof, they can produce 13-63 watts of power.
Contact: 858 459-9020
EZ Solar Electric: Best for Vast Solar Panel Array
You want to work with a solar provider that uses a wide range of solar panels. It makes comparing their prices, efficiency, and durability easy. EZ Solar Electric can help you do just that.
The company uses solar panels from various reputable brands, including Canadian Solar, Q Cells, Panasonic, Hyundai, and LG. The company also offers roofing, electric services, and battery backup installation.
Contact: (619) 500-8090
Why Do You Need BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup
In addition to installing a solar system, you need home battery backup. It protects your home from power outages and ensures it is independent of the power grid, especially during peak periods. BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup is a great home battery solution. Its casing has an IP65 waterproof rating allowing you to use it indoors and outdoors; it comes with a 24/7 UPS and is compatible with the BLUETTI app. This means you can control it from anywhere and monitor power use.
