15 Best Solar Companies in Valley Center, CA (2024 Reviews)

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

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

Average Valley Center homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 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 Valley Center

Are you looking for energy freedom in Valley Center? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since there are many perks when you switch to solar power. Since the cost of energy is getting higher and higher each year, many homeowners are considering switching to solar to save money on electricity for their homes.


To help you navigate through the large variety of Valley Center solar installers, we’ve narrowed down a list of the top ones.To help you figure out if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Valley Center by clicking the button 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 Valley Center

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

SunPower by Milholland Electric

  • 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 Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

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

4.4/5

SunPower by Sea Bright Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • 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 Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://seabrightsolar.com/
Address: 1785 Industrial Park Ave Building A, Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 9093475451
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Eminent Energy

  • 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 Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

4.9/5

SolHome

  • 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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

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

4.5/5

G C Electric Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

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

4.9/5

Cosmic Solar and Roofing

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sol Nova Electric LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

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

3.0/5

SolarHub - Best Price & 30 YR Roof Warranty

  • 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 Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

180 Solar Power

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • 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 Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://www.180solarpower.com/
Address: 334 W 3rd Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 7602644012
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Performance Solar Inc

  • 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 Panel Installation

Website: http://www.performancesolar.com/
Address: 480 Corporate Dr, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone: 8002745836
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

San Diego County Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

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

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Green Earth Electric

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Precision Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://precisionsolar.net/
Address: 979 Woodland Pkwy #101-28, San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: 7608846106

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Valley Center

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Valley Center 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 Valley Center


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 Valley Center

We get that for most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:

  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electricity bills than a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • The kind of solar panels you can afford: This depends on what your budget is.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $31,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
  • average energy usage: The more power your household consumes on average and the steeper your current energy bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from going solar.

There are many good benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. Additionally, it can raise 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 Valley Center

Switching to solar power has lots of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help preserve the environment, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives.Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 0 of your project costs when you file taxes, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in your area.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Valley Center

There are a few primary reasons why many people want to invest in solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Valley Center, though. An important thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving to work, your footprint may be greater, so adopting solar energy for your home can help offset that.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. The benefits of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.

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 Valley Center, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar installation company in Valley Center?

In Valley Center, SunPower by Milholland Electric is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, entirely cut your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and cut back on your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.4 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

What is the best kind of solar panel?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, how much you're willing to spend and how much energy generation you want.

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.