There’s no shortage of solar companies in San Diego. So we figured, why not save you some time? We researched the local residential solar installers and read through hundreds of reviews.
These residential solar companies made the cut because they do good work consistently. They understand San Diego’s solar scene, they’re responsive when issues pop up, and their customers tend to be happy. Worth a conversation if you’re serious about solar energy for residential homes.
Find the Best Solar Installers in San Diego, California
Solar Optimum review 550 W B St, San Diego CA, 92101
San Diego Solar Install review San Diego, California, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, San Diego read more…
Preman Roofing-Solar review 875 34th St. San Diego, CA 92102, San Diego, California, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Preman Roofing-Solar read more…
GRID Alternatives review 930 Gateway Center Way, San Diego CA, 92102
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, GRID Alternatives read more…
San Diego Roofing review 2811 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
San Diego Roofing is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
Incentive Solar review 2820 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego CA, 92108, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Incentive Solar read more…
LA Solar Group review 3111 Camino Del Rio North Suite 400​, San DIego CA, 92108
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, LA Solar read more…
Superior Solar Inc. review 4025 Camino del Rio S UNIT 300 San Diego, CA 92108, USA
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Superior Solar read more…
Empowered Energy Systems review 8555 Aero Dr, San Diego CA, 92123
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Empowered Energy read more…
EnergyAid review 4599 Mission Gorge Pl STE A, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
EnergyAid is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 2 states. With a foundation read more…
HES Solar review 9085 Aero Dr, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92123
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, HES Solar read more…
Enerev review 265 E STREET SUITE F, CHULA VISTA, CA, 91910, UNITED STATES
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Enerev is read more…
Alltech Solar review 4905 Morena Blvd, San Diego CA, 92117
Alltech Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Precision General Contracting review 5050 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite 120 San Diego, CA 92123, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Precision General read more…
San Diego Solar Install review San Diego, California, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, San Diego read more…
Alltech Solar review 4079 Governor Drive #307, San Diego CA, 92122
Alltech Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Soltech Electric review 8910 University Center Ln #400, San Diego, CA 92122, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Soltech Electric read more…
BVI Solar review 4747 Executive Drive Suite 800, San Diego CA, 92121
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, BVI Solar read more…
Sunline review 7340 Trade St Suite HSan Diego, 92121
Sunline is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a foundation read more…
Unique Solar review 5752 Oberlin Dr., San Diego CA, 92121
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Unique Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating read more…
How Much Can Residential Solar Panels Save You in San Diego, California?
There’s no simple answer to how much you’ll save with solar power for residential homes in California – it really depends on your situation. Your utility company’s billing structure matters, as does the size of the residential solar power system your roof can handle and how much electricity your household uses. Most installers will try to cover all your energy needs, but your actual savings depend on your home’s unique setup.
Before incentives, expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000 for a typical residential solar installation in San Diego. The exact cost depends on your residential solar energy system size and energy requirements.
Want an estimate just for you? Fill out the form on our website, try a solar calculator, or consult with a couple of local residential solar installers for a personalized savings calculation.
Learn more about solar incentives and what makes California unique for residential solar.
Solar Financing Explained for Residential Solar Systems
You’ve got several ways to pay for solar panels:
- Cash
- Solar loans from installers
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar leases or PPAs
Paying Cash: Cash gives you the best long-term savings and the lowest overall cost for your residential solar power system. But let’s be real – not everyone has $15,000 to $20,000 sitting in the bank. If you want to own your system but can’t pay up front, financing is your next option.
Getting a Loan: Personal loans, home equity lines, or installer-offered solar loans all work. Just watch out for the fine print – loans come with interest and fees. Many solar loans include dealer fees that can bump up your total residential solar installation cost by 20% or more (they offset this with lower interest rates). Smart move? Compare dealer fees and rates between different residential solar companies before signing anything.
Don’t skip this: ask for their cost per watt. That’s your real comparison tool when residential solar energy system sizes vary between installers.
Leasing or PPAs: Some businesses let you rent or buy power with no money down. It sounds great, doesn’t it? The catch is that you don’t own the panels, so you can’t get rebates or federal incentives. Also, the monthly payments to the solar company take money out of your savings.
Get detailed savings projections from installers before deciding. Even with financing costs, you’ll typically still pay less for electricity than you do now. Understanding all your options – including available federal and state programs – helps you make the smartest financial choice for your residential solar energy system.
Discover Your Solar Savings in 60 Seconds
Get instant estimates powered by Google Solar API – See your roof's energy potential, cost savings, and environmental impact
California Solar Incentives and Rebates
Solar incentives and rebates available in California:
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP): The SGIP provides rebates for battery storage capacity you install. General market rebates are approximately $150 per kilowatt-hour. For low-income families in disadvantaged communities or high fire-threat areas, rebates can be as high as $850-$1,000 per kWh, which could cover most or all of the battery cost. Note that ratepayer-funded SGIP budgets are now closed to new general applicants, but the state-funded Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) budget remains available for qualifying low-income customers.
The Residential Solar and Storage Equity Program: This program can give you money until 2026. With this money, solar panels and battery storage will be put on low-income homes in bad neighborhoods for free or at a very low cost.
Property Tax Exclusion: Solar installations completed before January 1, 2027 are excluded from property tax assessments, which means your property value goes up without raising property taxes. Systems installed before this deadline continue to benefit from the exclusion until the property changes ownership, even after January 1, 2027.
Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0): You can still get credits for sending extra energy back to the grid, but they are less generous than in the past. Pairing with battery storage is now more valuable.
Local Rebates: If your utility company offers them, extra rebates may lower the cost of your system. Some cities also don't charge fees for building permits for solar panels.
Taking advantage of these rebates may increase the return on investment for solar panels. After December 31, 2026, the property tax deduction will no longer apply to new installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do We Rank Residential Solar Installers?
Picking a solar installer shouldn’t be a guessing game. We built our rating system to help homeowners make informed solar decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the industry.
Here’s how it works: 5-star system, plain and simple. Five stars means a company is legitimately excellent – the kind you’d recommend to your own family. One star? Run away. We wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole, and neither should you. Our ratings pull from everywhere – EnergySage, SolarReviews, BBB, Google Reviews, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, Trustpilot, the works. But we’re not just averaging star ratings like some algorithm. We read the actual reviews. Are they consistently delivering what they promise, or just occasionally getting lucky?
What Actually Matters When We Evaluate Residential Solar Companies?
- Years in business. Five minimum. Non-negotiable. If a company’s been around less than that, they haven’t weathered any real challenges yet. And think about it – solar panels last 25-30 years. You need an installer who’s built their business model around supporting customers long-term, not just showing up for installation day and disappearing.
- Local vs. national – and it’s not even close. Check the numbers yourself. Local residential solar installers consistently get better reviews than the big chains. Their reputation actually matters because word spreads fast in local communities. They know the permit process in San Diego specifically. They understand your local utility company’s quirks and requirements.
- Hands-on experience. Residential solar energy companies that have hundreds of installations behind them move differently. They’ve seen every bizarre roof situation. They know exactly how to handle older homes with outdated electrical systems. First-time installers? They’re figuring it out as they go – on your roof, with your money.
- Who’s actually doing the work? Some companies use their own crews. Others outsource everything to whoever’s available. Guess which ones deliver better quality? When residential solar energy companies employ their own installation teams, those workers know they’re accountable. Something breaks later? You call the company, and they send the same team that did the original work. With subcontractors, you’re lucky if you can track down who actually touched your system.
- What people actually say. We check SolarReviews, BBB, Google, Yelp – anywhere real customers leave feedback. But star ratings alone don’t tell the whole story. How does a company handle a one-star review? Do they fix the problem or argue with the customer? Customer reviews show what really happens after you sign the contract.
- Licenses and certifications. Should be obvious, but apparently it’s not. Licensed, insured, NABCEP certified if possible (that’s the actual gold standard for residential solar panel installers, not marketing fluff). Companies cutting corners on basic credentials – what else are they skimping on?
- Equipment quality swings wildly. Good residential solar energy companies stock equipment from solid manufacturers – SunPower, LG, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, brands like that. Lower-tier installers? They push whatever vendor gave them the best wholesale price this quarter, regardless of quality. Ask them straight up: “What brands do you install and why those specifically?” Watch how they answer. That’ll tell you if they prioritize system performance or profit margins.
- Payment options. The best residential solar companies give you real choices – loans, leases, PPAs – and actually walk you through what makes sense for your situation. Huge red flag: companies that only offer one financing option. Usually, it means it’s structured to maximize their profit, not your savings.
- Warranties separate the pros from the amateurs. Look for 10-12 years on workmanship, minimum. Strong performance guarantees. Your residential solar power system costs serious money. It better have protection beyond the basic manufacturer’s warranty on the panels themselves.
Our Classification System: What the Tags Mean?
We label companies to save you research time:
- Expert Choice: Long-established companies with extensive workmanship warranties and in-house installation crews exclusively. The veterans with the strongest track records.
- Trusted Provider: Multi-state operations that still manage to deliver quality work. Good local reputation, positive customer feedback. They handle installations directly instead of outsourcing.
- Market Leader: Tons of verified reviews, customers are consistently happy. Proven track record of consistent, reliable service.
Stick with “Expert Choice,” “Trusted Provider,” or “Market Leader” tags. They earned those classifications through actual performance, not by paying for better placement. The difference matters more than you’d think.
What to Look for in a Residential Solar Company?
Shopping for solar energy for residential use? Here’s what separates good residential solar companies from ones you’ll regret hiring:
- Check credentials first. NABCEP certification is what you want to see – it’s the real deal in solar. Beyond that, make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured for your area. Using subcontractors? Those crews better have proper credentials, too, not just some guys with ladders.
- Experience isn’t optional. Five years minimum in the business. Don’t be someone’s practice run. Ask straight up: “How many residential solar energy systems have you installed?” A confident residential solar panel installer will tell you the number and walk you through their equipment choices without hesitation. They should explain how they’ll help you tap into available incentives – and if they can’t clearly explain their warranties, that’s a red flag.
- Communication tells you everything. Here’s a test: Ask specific questions. “Why do I need this many panels?” “Break down the costs based on my actual usage.” “What brands are you proposing and why?” “What’s your per-watt price?” Good residential solar installers answer directly. Sketchy ones dance around numbers or pressure you to sign fast. Trust your gut – if they’re dodgy with answers now, imagine dealing with them when something breaks.
- One more thing on communication: Ask about their subcontractors. Who’s actually doing the work? How are they supervised? You deserve real answers.
- Your roof comes first. Any residential solar panel installer worth their salt will thoroughly inspect your roof before talking panels. They should tell you if repairs are needed upfront – not after they’ve torn into your shingles. Who pays if there’s damage during installation? Get that in writing. And yeah, talk about how it’ll look. Panel placement, where vents end up, all that matters when you’re staring at it every day.
- Do your homework on their reputation. Reviews matter, but dig deeper. Ask for references from recent customers. Even better – if you know anyone who’s gone solar, ask them who they used. Personal recommendations beat online reviews every time because people are brutally honest with friends.
- Always get multiple quotes. Always. Prices swing wildly between residential solar companies – sometimes by thousands. Here’s the key: calculate the cost per watt for each proposal. That’s your apples-to-apples comparison, even if residential solar energy system sizes differ slightly. Get three quotes minimum. You’ll quickly learn what’s fair pricing and what’s someone trying to fleece you.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Go local. It makes a difference.
Small local residential solar companies consistently get better reviews than big national operations. The reason is simple: solar energy for residential use is inherently a local business. Providing good customer service across multiple states from a central office? Nearly impossible.
Local residential solar energy companies have skin in the game. They know your area’s incentives and regulations inside and out. They care about their reputation because word spreads fast in local communities. And they’re not trying to hit some corporate sales quota – they want you to be happy so you’ll refer your neighbors.
National companies will pitch their “financial stability” and “consistent quality across locations.” Don’t buy it. When something goes wrong (and eventually, something always does), you want a local company that answers their phone and can send someone over – not a call center that routes you to whoever’s available.
Find a local residential solar panel installer that checks all your boxes and specializes in your area. You’ll be happier for it.
What Does a Residential Solar Installation in San Diego, California Look Like?
So you’ve approved your residential solar power system design. What happens next?
- They’ll dig into your energy use. Pull out your utility bills from the last year – installers need to see your actual consumption in kWh. This isn’t busywork. These numbers determine everything: how much you’ll save, when you’ll break even, and what size system makes sense for your home.
- Expect a home energy audit. Good residential solar energy companies don’t skip this. They’re looking at your consumption patterns, when you use the most power, all that. It’s how they properly size your system instead of just slapping panels up there and hoping for the best.
- Your roof gets scrutinized. Is it in decent shape? Facing the right direction? They’ll inspect everything – structural integrity, orientation, shading issues. This determines where panels go and how they’ll run the wiring without making your house look like a science experiment.
- Design gets finalized. They’ll show you renderings of what your residential solar energy system will actually look like on your roof, plus production estimates and costs specific to your situation.
- Paperwork time. San Diego requires permits for residential solar installation. The good news? Your installer handles this headache. If they’re telling you to pull permits yourself, find a different company.
- The waiting game. Here’s the reality: start to finish, you’re looking at about 3 months. Permits take time. Inspections take time. Getting utility approval takes time. The actual installation on your roof? That’s usually done in 3 days, maybe longer if your roof is complicated or the system is big. Most of those 3 months are just waiting on bureaucracy.
- Installation day arrives. The crew shows up, gets everything installed, and cleans up after themselves. Professional crews leave your property cleaner than they found it – you shouldn’t see a single zip tie or scrap of wire left behind. Just new panels on your roof.
- Inspection happens. The city sends someone out to verify everything meets code and safety regulations. This is required – no way around it. Once you pass, you’re almost there.
- Grid connection is the final step. Your residential solar power system gets wired to the utility company, you apply for interconnection, and they’ll inspect it, too. Some residential solar panel installers handle this entire process for you; others make you deal with the utility. Ask upfront who’s doing what. Once all the approvals are in? Flip the switch. You’re making your own power.
