10 best solar companies in Santa Ana, 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 perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Santa Ana, California, you'll need to hire a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Santa Ana to help you select the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for you. You can go with a local Santa Ana solar company 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 solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy lets Santa Ana homeowners to save around $750 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Santa Ana
When looking into Santa Ana solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services Offered
SunPower by True Power Solar
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SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
Vasco Solar
Services Offered
Nexus Energy Systems
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
1701 E Edinger Ave Suite H1, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 497-2499
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/orang...
OC Solar
Services Offered
TENCO SOLAR
Services Offered
Go Green Solar
Services Offered
Infinity Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Santa Ana?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Santa Ana, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Key reasons to adopt solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy lets you lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
Facts about Santa Ana
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 Santa Ana?
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the median cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is impacted by your roof orientation, labor costs, system size, area, shading and sunlight availability. Selecting extras such as animal guards, batteries or solar trackers will raise the overall cost.
Per statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the typical price to install solar panels in Santa Ana is $7,006.
How much can you save by going solar in Santa Ana?
Installing solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Santa Ana from going solar
Homeowners in Santa Ana who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Santa Ana is 9 years.
- Annual solar savings in Santa Ana: On average, Santa Ana homeowners can save $751 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 $13,257 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Santa Ana from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Santa Ana?
Multiple solar incentives are available to Santa Ana homeowners. Various programs are offered to all California residents, though others change by utility company, city and municipality.
Available 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 Santa Ana solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these key considerations.
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. Larger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to acquire 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. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
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 in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage can increase the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels 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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