10 best solar companies in Pasadena, 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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Pasadena, California requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of the best solar companies in Pasadena to help you find the right installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to identify the right company for you. You can pick a local Pasadena solar company or choose 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
Although solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy allows Pasadena homeowners to save $890 on average each year.
Different solar companies offer different services. Take the time to compare each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Pasadena
Look for Pasadena solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services Offered
SunPower by True Power Solar
Services Offered
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
Solar Optimum
Services Offered
Clean Initiative
Services Offered
Green Integrations and Management Inc.
Services Offered
Green Solar Technologies
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
10713 Norwalk Blvd, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(213) 984-4554
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/los-a...
Altadena Energy & Solar
Services Offered
First American Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pasadena?
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like Pasadena, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the top reasons for adopting solar power:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Pasadena
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 Pasadena?
According to the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you select accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Drawing from data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Pasadena averages around $6,920.
How much can you save by going solar in Pasadena?
Installing solar panels requires sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Pasadena from going solar
In Pasadena, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return 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, Pasadena's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pasadena: Homeowners in Pasadena typically save an average of $894 per year by using 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 expect to save $16,913 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Pasadena from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- 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 Pasadena?
Homeowners in Pasadena can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available statewide for all California residents, and others differ by your utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives available 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 Pasadena solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
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. Bigger households use more electricity and may require bigger solar setups. 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 requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the proper 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, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, adding battery storage could increase overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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