15 Best Solar Companies in San Marcos, CA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in San Marcos based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for San Marcos, CA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average San Marcos homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

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 San Marcos

Searching for the top solar companies in San Marcos? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting project that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. While solar power is a large investment, you’ll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $31,000 over 20 years.


In this article, we’ll give you a list of the top San Marcos solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home’s sustainable energy needs.We suggest shopping around to get quite a few quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-pressure quotes from pre-screened solar installers in San Marcos, click the link 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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 San Marcos

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

SunPower by Milholland Electric

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.milhollandelectric.com/
Address: 1475 Cuyamaca St, El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: 6197321198
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Eminent Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://www.eminentenergy.org/
Address: 251 N City Dr #128F, San Marcos, CA 92096
Phone: 8585249435
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

San Diego County Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.sandiegocountysolar.com/
Address: 5145 Avenida Encinas Ste. A, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7602302220
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Cosmic Solar and Roofing

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://cosmicsolar.com/
Address: 943 Poinsettia Ave STE 401, Vista, CA 92081
Phone: 7607491111
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

SolHome

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.mysolhome.com/
Address: 1285 Simpson Way, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone: 6193334824
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Baker Home Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.bakerhomeenergy.com/
Address: 2120 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone: 8774090341
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Green Earth Electric

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://www.greenearthelectric.com/
Address: 2772 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7605860369
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

G C Electric Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.usa-gce.com/
Address: 934 S Andreasen Dr Suite E, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone: 8589993929
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Palomar Solar and Roofing

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.palomarsolar.com/
Address: 1526 Sterling Ct, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone: 7605040388
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Stellar Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

Website: http://stellarsolar.net/
Address: 265 Via Del Monte, Oceanside, CA 92058
Phone: 8667876527
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Carlsbad Solar

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://carlsbadsolar.com/
Address: 3525 Highland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 7608269226
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SolarHub - Best Price & 30 YR Roof Warranty

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://homesolarhub.com/
Address: 918 Iron Horse Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
Phone: 8584721567
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Magic Solar San Diego

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://www.magicsolarsandiego.com/
Address: 4140 Oceanside Blvd # 159, Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone: 6197284928
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sol Nova Electric LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://www.gosolnova.com/
Address: 330 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: 8337656682
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

180 Solar Power

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Emergency Services
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.180solarpower.com/
Address: 334 W 3rd Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 7602644012

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Marcos

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Marcos 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 San Marcos


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 San Marcos

When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs above all.There are quite a few factors you should consider when trying to determine 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 0 of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. In addition, you can save about $31,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
  • System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since San Marcos gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
  • How much energy your home consumes: Homes that need a lot of energy each month may require more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.

There are several great benefits of solar in spite of the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in San Marcos

Although a solar power system is typically a big investment, it can save you much money in the long term due to smaller utility bills and government incentives.There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 0 to 50% of your money back after installing a solar panel system. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can benefit from in San Marcos.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Marcos

If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your reliance on nonrenewable energy.You may be asking yourself – how much does making the switch do for the environment anyway? The EPA reports that electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. Installing solar panels and switching to renewable energy can help reduce that number in a city like San Marcos that produces a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.When you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 50 pounds a year. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other rewards beyond saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the planet too.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's San Marcos, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar installer in San Marcos?

In San Marcos, SunPower by Milholland Electric is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your power bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it provides a good 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 startup costs are high and solar panels can be an eyesore.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

When is the best time of year to install solar panels?

Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect 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 higher 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.