10 best solar companies in San Juan Capistrano, 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.
High-quality solar panel installation in San Juan Capistrano, California requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the best solar companies in San Juan Capistrano to help you hire the perfect installer.
Prior to hiring an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to identify the ideal company for you. You can choose a local San Juan Capistrano 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 installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy enables San Juan Capistrano homeowners to save an average of $850 every year.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Before arranging your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in San Juan Capistrano
Look for San Juan Capistrano solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services Offered
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services Offered
SunPower by True Power Solar
Services Offered
Suntrek Solar
Services Offered
OC Solar
Services Offered
Sun Synergy Consulting, Inc. SunPower Authorized Company.
Services Offered
SYNRG Solar - Home Energy Solutions
Services Offered
Sullivan Solar Power
Services Offered
Altair Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Juan Capistrano?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as San Juan Capistrano, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to switch to solar include these:
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the ideal method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
Facts about San Juan Capistrano
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 San Juan Capistrano?
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is impacted by your labor costs, roof orientation, shading, sunlight availability, area and system size. Selecting bonus features such as solar trackers, batteries or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in San Juan Capistrano is $7,006.
How much can you save by going solar in San Juan Capistrano?
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Money savings in San Juan Capistrano from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, San Juan Capistrano homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recoup its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, San Juan Capistrano's average payback period for solar is 8 years.
- Annual solar savings in San Juan Capistrano: On average, San Juan Capistrano homeowners can save $853 per year by adopting solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save about $15,820 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in San Juan Capistrano from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 51 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1275 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in San Juan Capistrano?
Homeowners in San Juan Capistrano can be eligible for several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all California residents, and others differ by your municipality, utility company and city.
Accessible solar incentives for 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 San Juan Capistrano solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't large enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole 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 obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be helpful for avoiding outages in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used 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