15 Best Solar Companies in South Lake Tahoe, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in South Lake Tahoe based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average South Lake Tahoe homeowner saves $2,604/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in South Lake Tahoe
If you’re a homeowner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in South Lake Tahoe, it can be challenging to narrow down which company to decide on. But, it's worth it since switching to solar power is often a fantastic idea. Solar power isn't just good for the planet — your bank account will thank you too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $31,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in South Lake Tahoe and compare quotes. The great news is we took the time and came up with a list of the best solar companies so you don’t have to.We advise shopping around to get several quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get free, no-obligation quotes from pre-screened solar companies in South Lake Tahoe, click the link 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 South Lake Tahoe
Briggs Electric
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
SolarPanal EranNSave Carson
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Aspen Electric
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
Arc Energy Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Sol-Up Reno
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
Reno Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Diamond Solar Solutions, Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Solar Hut, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Phoenix Energy Solutions
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Comfort Control Heating Air Conditioning Solar Electrical
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Solar Savings Direct, Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Sustainable Energy Group
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Sunriver Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
California Solar Electric Cooperative Corporation
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Senga Energy, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in South Lake Tahoe
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe
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 South Lake Tahoe
For many homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels depends the most on the cost.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 include:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you get will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more 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 go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Due to South Lake Tahoe’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your energy bills.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $31,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- How much energy costs for you: If your local utility rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In South Lake Tahoe, you can save an average of $1,538 a month on your electricity bills.
Although a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in South Lake Tahoe
There are several reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them consists of some government incentives you can take advantage of.Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in South Lake Tahoe
A lot of people want to do their part to help the environment, which in many cases is the main motivation to install a solar system.A question many homeowners might be thinking about is how much can they really help save the environment by going solar anyway? In a place like South Lake Tahoe where commute times can be long sometimes, using solar power can help offset some of your carbon dioxide emissions from being on the road a lot.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other perks beyond saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
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 South Lake Tahoe, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in South Lake Tahoe is Briggs Electric, with a rating of 4.70 stars.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Manufacturing 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.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 7.5 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how many watts of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically 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.