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 perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Laguna Hills, California, you'll need to find a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the top solar companies in Laguna Hills to help you select the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in Laguna Hills or opt for an established national brand.
Although solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Laguna Hills homeowners to save $840 on average each year.
The products from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Look for Laguna Hills solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
1701 E Edinger Ave Suite H1, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 497-2499
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/orang...Laguna Hills and the surrounding areas receive abundant sunshine, which allows homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Major reasons to switch to solar power include these:
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the median cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you choose add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In Laguna Hills, solar panel installation costs approximately $7,006, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA.
Though installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
In Laguna Hills, you can anticipate saving money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Laguna Hills homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are offered statewide to all California residents, whereas others depend on municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives accessible 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. |
Consider these questions before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't large enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project could be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rain 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 more wattage capacity.
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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