15 Best Solar Companies in Irvine, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Irvine based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Irvine, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Irvine homeowner saves $2,116/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Irvine
If you’re a homeowner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Irvine, it can be challenging to narrow down which company to choose. But, it's worth it since switching to solar power is typically a good choice. With an average energy bill of $1,185 per month in Irvine, making the switch to solar energy can lower your monthly bills by about that much.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly based on your home’s setup and your overall energy requirements.To help you understand if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Irvine by clicking the 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Irvine
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
SunPower by True Power Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Precis Solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
SunSolar U.S.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
REPOWER OC
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
SYNRG Solar - Home Energy Solutions
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Vasco Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
OC Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
Semper Solaris
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Infinity Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
Suntrek Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
EcoSolar USA
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Solar Carports
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Nexus Energy Systems
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
Go Green Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Irvine
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Irvine 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 Irvine
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 Irvine
The cost of installing solar panels has gone down greatly over the past several years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your total 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 $25,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost investment for households that don’t use too much energy each month.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and your energy consumption.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to get a sense of how much adopting solar power could impact the environment and your bank account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Irvine, CA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Irvine
There are a lot of reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them involves some government incentives that can help save you some money.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local incentives. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Irvine
There are lots of reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Irvine, though. Using renewable energy for electricity rather than burning fossil fuels is an impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint if you're worried about Irvine's fair level of greenhouse gas emissions.Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be cut by about 50 pounds every year. The advantages of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Irvine residents 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Irvine, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installer in Irvine?
In Irvine, SunPower by Sun Solar-OC is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What are some of the pros and cons of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it can give you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much 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 less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof 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.