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

Average Irvine homeowner saves $2,116/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 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 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 Irvine

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 Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

SunSolar U.S.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://sunsolarus.com/
Address: Irvine, CA 92606
Phone: 9492420088
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

REPOWER OC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.repoweroc.com/
Address: Orange, CA 92866
Phone: 7144647721
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
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

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
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sunpin Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://sunpinsolar.us/
Address: Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: 8444786746
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunCode Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.suncodesolar.com/
Address: Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: 9493896313
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

BayWa r.e. Solar Projects LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://us.baywa-re.com/en/
Address: Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: 9493983915
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Commercial Solar Installation Cleaning Services Irvine

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://commercial-solar-installation-cleaning-irvine-ca.business.site/
Address: Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: 5622427177
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Energy Connection

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

Website: http://www.zerodownsolar.weebly.com/
Address: Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: 9517325540
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EP solar

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.epsolar.com/
Address: Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: 8002405165
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

UYS ENERGY

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://uysenergy.com/
Address: Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: 3235178180

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 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 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.