10 best solar companies in Murrieta, 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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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Murrieta. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Murrieta, California, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've put together a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Murrieta.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can go with a local Murrieta solar company or choose an established 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 substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that changing to solar energy allows Murrieta homeowners to save an average of $790 annually.
Many solar companies provide different services. Make sure to review each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Murrieta
Search for Murrieta solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
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SunPower by Milholland Electric
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SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
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SunPower by True Power Solar
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Voltaic Construction, LLC
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New Day Solar
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Blalock Electric & Solar Inc
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Switch Solutions
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ADT Solar
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Pacific Sun Technologies, Inc
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Murrieta?
Homeowners in Murrieta can benefit from solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The primary reasons to transition to solar power include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy lets you cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
Facts about Murrieta
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 Murrieta?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you choose any add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Murrieta has a typical cost of $6,803.
How much can you save by going solar in Murrieta?
While solar panel installation may be a sizable initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Murrieta from going solar
In Murrieta, you can expect to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to offset 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, Murrieta's standard solar payback period is 8 years.
- Annual solar savings in Murrieta: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy, Murrieta homeowners save around $793 per year with solar energy.
- 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 anticipate saving around $14,484 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Murrieta from going solar
Not only does switching 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
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What solar incentives are available in Murrieta?
Several solar incentives are offered to Murrieta homeowners. Some programs are open to all California residents, whereas others differ by utility company, municipality and city.
According to the DSIRE, here 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 Murrieta solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
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. Larger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local regulations. You must get proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. The tree density, precipitation levels and severe weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require extra 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 in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, adding battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency 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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