15 Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest, CA (2023 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
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Lake Forest homeowner saves $2,255/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest
As a homeowner in Lake Forest, you may be planning on switching to solar power and curious about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a great idea since it has many benefits. Because Lake Forest has a very high capacity for solar energy generation, installing solar panels is financially rewarding for many homeowners.
In this article, we'll give you a list of the top Lake Forest solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home's sustainable energy needs. Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a highly rated solar company near you right away 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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Lake Forest
Sun Synergy Consulting, Inc. SunPower Authorized Company.
-
Clear Pricing Policy - Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Expert panel installation - Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Simple Solar Energy Solutions
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
SunPower by True Power Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
SunPower by Precis
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
ADT Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Los Angeles Solar Pros
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Levion Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Meta Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
One Earth Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar panel option
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Blue Coast Solar Panel Cleaning
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
SYNRG Solar - Home Energy Solutions
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
SunSolar U.S.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Integrated roofing
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
We get that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs. A few important factors that determine how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Due to Lake Forest's very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electricity bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Your home's power bills: Based on the high monthly power bills in Lake Forest, you could save about $810 a year with solar.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you lower your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. In addition, you can save about $27,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and incentives.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
To find out how much you can impact the environment and your wallet by switching to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Lake Forest, 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. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
Solar Incentives in Lake Forest
If you're considering making the switch to solar energy, a number of government incentives and tax credits can dramatically reduce the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment. There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that earn anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after buying solar panels. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Lake Forest.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lake Forest
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your carbon dioxide emissions. You may be trying to figure out — how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? The average person has a sizable carbon footprint. Between their car, which releases over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and electricity for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Switching to solar is a simple thing you can do to help. In Lake Forest, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. The benefits of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Lake Forest 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
EcoWatch's Lake Forest, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Lake Forest?
The best local solar company in Lake Forest is SunSolar U.S., with a rating of 4.07 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how much power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.