10 best solar companies in San Marcos, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations
Read MoreJoin more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in San Marcos, California, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've gathered a list of the top solar companies in San Marcos.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, vet the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in San Marcos or opt for a well-known 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 installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy enables San Marcos homeowners to save an average of $920 annually.
Different solar companies provide different services. Make sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in San Marcos
Seek out San Marcos solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of frequent bad reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services Offered
Cosmic Solar and Roofing
Services Offered
Baker Home Energy
Services Offered
Eminent Energy
Services Offered
San Diego County Solar
Services Offered
Stellar Solar
Services Offered
SolHome
Services Offered
G C Electric Solar
Services Offered
SolarHub - Best Price & 30 YR Roof Warranty
Services Offered
Carlsbad Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Marcos?
The San Marcos region gets plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are the key reasons to choose solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to operate your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about San Marcos
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 San Marcos?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any add-ons like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
In San Marcos, solar panel installation costs an average of $6,837, according to data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in San Marcos?
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in San Marcos from going solar
In San Marcos, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in San Marcos is around 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in San Marcos: On average, San Marcos homeowners can save $922 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can expect to save $17,661 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in San Marcos from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy lowers your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 52 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1300 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in San Marcos?
San Marcos homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are available statewide to all California residents, while others differ based on city, municipality and utility company.
The following solar incentives are available for California residents, according to 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 San Marcos solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't expansive enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, rain and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for ensuring continuous power in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors affect 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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarApr. 23
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMar. 27
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarMar. 25
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27