17 Best Solar Companies in Carlsbad, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Carlsbad based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Carlsbad, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Carlsbad homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Carlsbad
As a homeowner or business owner in Carlsbad, you may be planning on switching to solar energy and curious about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a great idea since it has lots of perks. One of the key reasons people living in Carlsbad, where the average energy bill is high, consider going solar is to reduce their monthly bills.
If you're thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Carlsbad and compare quotes. The good news is we took the time and compiled a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you. To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Carlsbad, click the "get quote" button below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Carlsbad
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
ECOPOWER SOLAR
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
Green Earth Electric
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Carlsbad Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
San Diego County Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
TR Solar Consultant
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Stellar Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
SunPower Elite Dealer - Impact
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Gecko Solar Energy | Solar Panels
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Companys
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
SWG Energy Inc: The Renewable Energy Company
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Solar Power Carlsbad Pros
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Carlsbad
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Carlsbad based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Carlsbad
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Carlsbad
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will first need to pay to set up your panels. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Incentives: Something that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your energy bills, which can result in an average of $31,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much you spend on energy: If your local energy rates are high, there's a better chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Carlsbad, you can save an average of $77 a month on your electricity bills.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much power your solar panels can generate.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you'd like to decrease your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Carlsbad homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Carlsbad
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is receiving government incentives. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other state and city incentives. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Carlsbad
Many want to do their part for the planet, which for many is the main motivation to install solar panels. But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? If your household uses a lot of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar energy. Since solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. The perks of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Carlsbad, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In Carlsbad, Renewable USA is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.8 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.