18 Best Solar Companies in El Cajon, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in El Cajon based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for El Cajon, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average El Cajon homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in El Cajon
Looking for the best solar companies in El Cajon? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but switching to solar will save you money on your utility bills over many years. In fact, you can look forward to saving about $31,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we'll give you a list of the top El Cajon solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's sustainable energy needs. Interested in knowing how much it'd cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated El Cajon solar installer.
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 El Cajon
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
CM Solar Electric
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
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
Innovative Solar Power Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Orange Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
EZ Solar & Electric
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
Sunlight Solar, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning and Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
SunPower by Milholland Electric
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Christian Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
Semper Solaris
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
Fairpower
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Sun Ray Solar Products
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Sunny Solar Power
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in El Cajon
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in El Cajon 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 El Cajon
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 El Cajon
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your panels. There are quite a few factors you should consider when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be an expensive option for households that don't consume a good amount of energy a month.
- Average daily sunlight: Since El Cajon gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your electricity bills will be.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $31,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- Your household's power bills: Because of high monthly power bills in El Cajon, you could save about $920 a year with solar.
So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to decrease your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many El Cajon homeowners.
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Use the calculator below to see how much adopting solar power could impact the environment and your finances. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for El Cajon, CA.
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Solar Incentives in El Cajon
There are lots of reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them consists of some government incentives you can take advantage of. Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in El Cajon
There are a few main reasons why people are considering solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment. A question many homeowners might be wondering about is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? One thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend lots of time commuting to work and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 50 pounds a year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll no doubt get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 El Cajon, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In El Cajon, Renewable USA is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.