15 Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Lake Forest based on:
Customer review scores
Service area for Lake Forest, CA
Company policies and services offered
Accreditations and certifications
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Average Lake Forest homeowner saves $2,255/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest
When deciding on the best solar installers, Lake Forest homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar energy that much easier. While solar is a sizable investment, you’ll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $27,000 over 20 years.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Lake Forest, you might realize that there are a great number of providers to choose from. So, we’ve organized a curated list of the top solar companies in the area.Want to see how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Lake Forest 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 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 Lake Forest

SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Financing Assistance
Consultation
Battery Storage


SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage
Cleaning and Maintenance
Panel Installation
Consultation



SunSolar U.S.
Reliable Customer Support
Prompt Service Delivery
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Permit Assistance
Panel Installation
Battery Storage
Solar Carports
Consultation
Financing Assistance


REPOWER OC
Free Quotes
Reliable Customer Support
Informative Resources
Prompt Service Delivery
Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Financing Assistance


SolarRepair
Clear Pricing Policy
Prompt Service Delivery
Free Quotes
Informative Resources
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance
Cleaning and Maintenance
Skilled Repairs
Battery Storage
Solar Panel Upgrades
Panel Installation

Solar Source
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Informative Resources
Family-Operated Business
Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Permit Assistance
Financing Assistance
Panel Installation


Shaw Energy Consulting LLC
Reliable Customer Support
Informative Resources
Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage
Panel Installation
Consultation


San Diego County Solar
Informative Resources
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Prompt Service Delivery
Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Financing Assistance
Grid-Tied Solar System
Cleaning and Maintenance
System Decommissioning
Skilled Repairs
Permit Assistance
Battery Storage
Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
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 Lake Forest
For most homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels comes down to the cost.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The model of solar panels you’re thinking of getting: More efficient panels are more costly, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Thanks to Lake Forest’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electric bills.
- How much power your household consumes: Homes that use a lot of power each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, be more expensive, but will also benefit more over time.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $27,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
There are many great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. In addition, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Lake Forest
Although solar power is typically a large investment, it can save you much money over many years because of smaller power bills and government incentives.There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you some money back after installing a solar panel system. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can benefit from in Lake Forest.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lake Forest
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your carbon footprint.You may be asking yourself – how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? The more power your house uses, the better off the planet will be when you switch to solar since you won’t have to use as much nonrenewable energy.When you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 50 pounds every year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll no doubt understand that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
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 Lake Forest, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Lake Forest?
The best local solar company in Lake Forest is SunPower by Sea Bright Solar, with a rating of 4.40 stars.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
In most cases, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.