10 best solar companies in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest, California requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've compiled a list of top solar companies in Lake Forest to help you find the right installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Lake Forest or select 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 putting in solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy enables Lake Forest homeowners to save an average of $810 every year.
Many solar companies offer different services. Take the time to look at each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Lake Forest
Seek out Lake Forest solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Services Offered
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Services Offered
SunPower by True Power Solar
Services Offered
Semper Solaris
Services Offered
1701 E Edinger Ave Suite H1, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 497-2499
www.sempersolaris.com/locations/orang...
OC Solar
Services Offered
Suntrek Solar
Services Offered
SunSolar U.S.
Services Offered
Sun Synergy Consulting, Inc. SunPower Authorized Company.
Services Offered
Vasco Solar
Services Offered
SYNRG Solar - Home Energy Solutions
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Lake Forest?
Homeowners in Lake Forest can benefit from solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The main reasons to opt for solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help lower your electricity bills. Solar panel systems generate power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Lake Forest
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 Lake Forest?
According to the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
As per numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Lake Forest has a typical cost of $7,006.
How much can you save by going solar in Lake Forest?
While solar panel installation can be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Lake Forest from going solar
Homeowners in Lake Forest who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Lake Forest's standard solar payback period is 8 years.
- Annual solar savings in Lake Forest: On average, Lake Forest homeowners can save $813 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save about $14,810 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Lake Forest from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Lake Forest?
A variety of solar incentives are available to Lake Forest homeowners. Some programs are offered to all California residents, though others change by municipality, city and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives for California homeowners, as stated by 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 Lake Forest solar installer?
Take time to reflect on 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 determine the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up 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?
Several solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be helpful for preventing power loss during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement 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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