10 best solar companies in Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, California requires you to select a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of top solar companies in Carlsbad to help you choose the right installer.
Prior to selecting an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and collect multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Carlsbad 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 require a major upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Carlsbad homeowners to save $920 on average each year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Carlsbad
Look for Carlsbad solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
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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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Baker Home 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 Carlsbad?
Carlsbad and the nearby regions get plenty of sunshine, which makes it possible for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. The biggest reasons to switch to solar power are these:
- 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 powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems generate power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Carlsbad
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 Carlsbad?
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you select any accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
As per numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Carlsbad has an average cost of $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in Carlsbad?
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Carlsbad from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Carlsbad homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical 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, Carlsbad's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Carlsbad: Carlsbad homeowners can expect to save about $922 annually on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save around $17,661 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Carlsbad from going solar
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also decreases 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
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What solar incentives are available in Carlsbad?
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Carlsbad. Various programs cover all California residents, while others are based on your city, utility company and municipality.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for California residents:
| 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 Carlsbad solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
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. More expansive houses tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, many panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature becomes critical when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage may lead to increased overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed 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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