10 best solar companies in Brea, 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.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Brea, California, you'll need a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the top solar companies in Brea to help you find the right one.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, assess potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Brea or use 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 putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that changing to solar energy allows Brea homeowners to save an average of $780 annually.
The products from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Brea
Look for Brea solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services Offered
SunPower by True Power Solar
Services Offered
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
10713 Norwalk Blvd, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(213) 984-4554
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/los-a...
Better Earth Solar
Services Offered
Simple Solar
Services Offered
Nexus Energy Systems
Services Offered
TENCO SOLAR
Services Offered
Go Green Solar
Services Offered
Infinity Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Brea?
The Brea region receives plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to adopt solar:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best assurance that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Brea
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 Brea?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you choose any extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Brea generally runs about $7,006.
How much can you save by going solar in Brea?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Brea from going solar
In Brea, you can plan to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact 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 Brea is approximately 9 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Brea: Based on numbers that leverage data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA, Brea homeowners save around $775 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by switching fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $13,858 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Brea from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy decreases 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.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Brea?
A variety of solar incentives are offered to Brea homeowners. Some programs are offered to all California residents, while others vary by utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives offered to California residents, as listed by 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 Brea solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
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 houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your 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 acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage might affect the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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