10 best solar companies in Escondido, 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.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Escondido, California, you'll need to find a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the top solar companies in Escondido to help you choose the right one.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Escondido 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
Even though solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables Escondido homeowners to save a yearly average of around $920.
The products from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Escondido
When researching Escondido solar companies, search for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
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Cosmic Solar and Roofing
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Baker Home Energy
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Eminent Energy
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SolHome
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G C Electric Solar
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Sungenia
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SolarHub - Best Price & 30 YR Roof Warranty
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180 Solar Power
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San Diego County Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Escondido?
Even areas with changing sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Escondido, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to switch to solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to operate your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to fuel electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about Escondido
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 Escondido?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your shading, area, system size, sunlight availability, roof orientation and labor costs. Choosing extras such as batteries, animal guards or solar trackers will raise the overall cost.
Based on numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Escondido has a typical cost of $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in Escondido?
While solar panel installation can be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Escondido from going solar
In Escondido, you can expect to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Escondido's standard solar payback period is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Escondido: Homeowners in Escondido typically save around $922 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $17,661 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Escondido from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated 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 Escondido?
Escondido homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Specific programs are offered statewide to all California residents, whereas others depend on municipality, utility company and city.
Accessible solar incentives for California homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| 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 Escondido solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, go over these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for 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 amount of sun. Nearby trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage might bump up the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. 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
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