10 best solar companies in Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, California, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've compiled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Oceanside.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Oceanside or pick 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 significant initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy enables Oceanside homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
Many solar companies provide different products. Make sure to review each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Oceanside
When researching Oceanside solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
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SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
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SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
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Cosmic Solar and Roofing
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Stellar Solar
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San Diego County Solar
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Eminent Energy
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Green Earth Electric
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Carlsbad Solar
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Magic Solar San Diego
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Oceanside?
Oceanside and the surrounding areas get plenty of sunshine, which allows homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. The biggest reasons to start using solar power include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power 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 reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
Facts about Oceanside
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 Oceanside?
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Oceanside, solar panel installation costs approximately $6,837, per data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Oceanside?
Although installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Oceanside from going solar
In Oceanside, 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 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), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Oceanside is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Oceanside: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Oceanside homeowners save around $903 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of around $17,186 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Oceanside from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Oceanside?
There are several solar incentives open to homeowners in Oceanside. Various programs cover all California residents, while others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
The following solar incentives are available for California residents, as listed in 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 Oceanside solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system could struggle 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 proper permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rainfall and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. 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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