10 best solar companies in South Pasadena, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in South Pasadena, California requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've assembled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in South Pasadena to help you hire the right installer.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in South Pasadena or go with an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can lower your energy expenses in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables South Pasadena homeowners to save a yearly average of around $890.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Ahead of arranging your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in South Pasadena
Focus your search on South Pasadena solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services Offered
SunPower by True Power Solar
Services Offered
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
Solar Optimum
Services Offered
Clean Initiative
Services Offered
Green Integrations and Management Inc.
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
10713 Norwalk Blvd, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(213) 984-4554
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/los-a...
Green Solar Technologies
Services Offered
Altadena Energy & Solar
Services Offered
First American Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in South Pasadena?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like South Pasadena, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to start using solar power include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the ideal method to guarantee your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about South Pasadena
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Pasadena?
According to the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you select any extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in South Pasadena has a typical cost of $6,920.
How much can you save by going solar in South Pasadena?
While solar panel installation can be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in South Pasadena from going solar
Homeowners in South Pasadena who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in South Pasadena is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in South Pasadena: Homeowners in South Pasadena typically save around $886 per year by using solar energy, based on our calculations using data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $16,700 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in South Pasadena from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 51 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1275 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in South Pasadena?
Homeowners in South Pasadena can enjoy several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all California residents, and others differ by your municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are accessible to California residents, as listed in DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a South Pasadena solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could influence your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature is essential in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, using battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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