15 Best Solar Companies in Malibu, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Malibu based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Malibu, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Malibu homeowner saves $2,265/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Malibu
On the hunt for the best solar companies in Malibu? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting project that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills over many years. In fact, you can potentially save about $27,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly based on your home’s layout and your overall energy needs.To get free quotes from the top-rated solar companies in Malibu, click the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Malibu
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Informative Resources- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
SunPower by True Power Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Paradise Renewables
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Planet Connection Inc
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Imperial Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Imperium Energy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
KOTA Energy Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Go Green Solar Solutions
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Helios Energy Global
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Maxum Energy Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Greenpire Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
United Electric, Solar & Plumbing
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Mega Solar Inc.
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
PacificSky Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
ProSolar California
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Malibu
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Malibu 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 Malibu
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 Malibu
For lots of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar energy boils down to the cost.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account 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 have the money for: This is dependent on what your budget is.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $27,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
- The amount of 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 electricity bills than a house with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- How much energy costs for you: The typical family in Malibu pays around $1,200 a year on energy use alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
Because of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Malibu
There are a lot of reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them consists of some government incentives you can take advantage of.Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of your project costs when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. For more information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Malibu
There are many reasons to switch to solar energy, like saving money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.A question many people might be thinking about is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? For homeowners and business owners who care about the environment, using solar power is a straightforward choice, especially since Malibu produces a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In Malibu, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. The benefits of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with making the switch to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Malibu, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Malibu?
The best local solar company in Malibu is SunPower by Sun Solar-OC, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it gives you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 8.6 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the ideal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.