10 best solar companies in La Mesa, 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 La Mesa, California, requires hiring a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar installers in La Mesa.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in La Mesa or opt for 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 significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy allows La Mesa homeowners to save $920 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in La Mesa
Look for La Mesa solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Services Offered
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar
Services Offered
HES Solar
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
Heliogold Solar
Services Offered
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
Services Offered
Jamar Power Systems
Services Offered
LGCY Power
Services Offered
Infinity Energy
Services Offered
Sunline Energy
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in La Mesa?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as La Mesa, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to switch to solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about La Mesa
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 La Mesa?
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the typical price to install solar panels in La Mesa is $6,837.
How much can you save by going solar in La Mesa?
Installing solar panels calls for sizable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through big reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in La Mesa from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, La Mesa homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup 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 La Mesa is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in La Mesa: La Mesa homeowners can anticipate saving about $922 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can expect to save $17,661 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in La Mesa from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected 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: 52 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1300 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in La Mesa?
Homeowners in La Mesa can qualify for several solar incentives. A few are available across the state for all California residents, and others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to 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 La Mesa solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, go over these important questions.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
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 secure the proper permits through your local building department and schedule 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 a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be helpful for preventing power loss in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements can change the cost, how soon 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
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