15 Best Solar Companies in Irvine, CA (2023 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
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Average Irvine homeowner saves $2,116/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Irvine
Getting the best solar panel installation company for your house is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Irvine. Solar panels can be expensive, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills in the long term. In fact, you can potentially save about $25,000 over 20 years.
If you want to start taking advantage of the great number of benefits of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Irvine solar installer that's in the right price range for you. To get free quotes from the top-rated solar companies in Irvine, 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 Irvine
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
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
SunSolar U.S.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
REPOWER OC
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
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
Sunpin Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
SunCode Energy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
BayWa r.e. Solar Projects LLC
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Commercial Solar Installation Cleaning Services Irvine
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Solar Energy Connection
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
EP solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential
- Panel Installation
UYS ENERGY
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert 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
While solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, it's important to consider the upfront costs. There are several factors you should take into consideration when determining the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can take advantage of. Additionally, you can save about $25,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar system won't be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local power rates are high, there's a better chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Irvine, you can save an average of $64 a month on your electricity bills.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what type of solar panels you can buy.
There are lots of great benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Irvine
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local programs, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Irvine
A lot of people want to do what they can for the environment, which often is the prime reason they're interested in installing solar panels. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? Something that can dramatically influence your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you install solar panels and drive an electric car, you can significantly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. For homeowners who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 Irvine, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Irvine?
In Irvine, Renewable USA is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires 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 getting solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 7.2 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can produce under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household requires between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.