10 best solar companies in San Clemente, 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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in San Clemente, California, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've gathered a list of the top solar companies in San Clemente.
Before hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in San Clemente or use an established 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) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows San Clemente homeowners to save an average of $920 every year.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in San Clemente
Focus your search on San Clemente solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
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
Stellar 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
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
1701 E Edinger Ave Suite H1, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 497-2499
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/orang...What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Clemente?
Homeowners in San Clemente can benefit from solar energy since the area receives a lot of sunshine. The primary reasons to transition to solar power include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the optimal method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar energy lets you reduce your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
Facts about San Clemente
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 Clemente?
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in San Clemente typically costs $7,006.
How much can you save by going solar in San Clemente?
Putting in solar panels calls for substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in San Clemente from going solar
In San Clemente, 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 influence 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 earn back its initial cost. The payback period in San Clemente is approximately 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 San Clemente: Homeowners in San Clemente typically save an average of $922 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our analysis using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $17,528 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in San Clemente from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in San Clemente?
Homeowners in San Clemente can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available across the state for all California residents, and others differ by your municipality, city and utility company.
Available solar incentives to California homeowners, per 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 Clemente solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
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 secure the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
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 a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is essential in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much 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
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