10 best solar companies in Chula Vista, 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 complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Chula Vista, California, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the top solar companies in Chula Vista to help you choose the right one.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can choose a local Chula Vista solar company or select a reputable 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 need a large initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy allows Chula Vista homeowners to save a yearly average of around $920.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Before arranging your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Chula Vista
Seek out Chula Vista 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 respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
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Heliogold Solar
Services Offered
HES Solar
Services Offered
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar
Services Offered
Enerev Solar
Services Offered
SolarQuest
Services Offered
LGCY Power
Services Offered
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
Infinity Energy
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Chula Vista?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Chula Vista, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy lets you reduce your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy enables you to charge electric cars at your house. Using your own power is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
Facts about Chula Vista
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 Chula Vista?
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you select extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Per statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the mean cost to install solar panels in Chula Vista is $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in Chula Vista?
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Chula Vista from going solar
In Chula Vista, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Chula Vista homeowners save around $922 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $17,661 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Chula Vista from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- 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 Chula Vista?
Homeowners in Chula Vista can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all California residents, and others are based on your city, utility company and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives to California homeowners, as stated by 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 Chula Vista solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to 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. More expansive homes tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the proper 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. Tree coverage, precipitation 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?
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 during storms. Incorporating battery storage might bump up the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements affect cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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