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

Average Carlsbad homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Carlsbad

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

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Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ECOPOWER SOLAR

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.ecopowersolar.com/
Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #108a, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7602223720
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Green Earth Electric

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.greenearthelectric.com/
Address: 2772 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7605860369
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Carlsbad Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://carlsbadsolar.com/
Address: 3525 Highland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7608269226
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

San Diego County Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.sandiegocountysolar.com/
Address: 5145 Avenida Encinas Ste. A, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7602302220
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

TR Solar Consultant

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://trsolarconsultant.com/
Address: 181 Parnassus Cir, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 7605253043
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Stellar Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://stellarsolar.net/
Address: 265 Via Del Monte, Oceanside, CA 92058
Phone: 8667876527
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower Elite Dealer - Impact

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.sunpowerquotenow.com/
Address: 1902 Wright Pl #200, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7605477788
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Gecko Solar Energy | Solar Panels

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://geckosolarenergy.com/
Address: 1902 Wright Pl #200, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 6198266600
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Companys

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://solarcompanys.com/
Address: 1902 Wright Pl STE 214, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7606134164
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SWG Energy Inc: The Renewable Energy Company

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://swgenergy.com/
Address: Carlsbad, CA, CA CA
Phone: 7605474872
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Power Carlsbad Pros

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://solarenergysandiego.org/solar-power-carlsbad-ca/
Address: 1947 Camino Vida Roble #201, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 8584655236

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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.