15 Best Solar Companies in Vista, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Vista based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Vista, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Vista homeowner saves $2,619/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Vista
Do you want energy freedom in Vista? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since there are many benefits after adopting solar power. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $31,000 on your power bills.
In this article, we’ll let you in on the top Vista solar installers so you can find the best one for your home’s renewable energy needs.Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a certified solar company near you right away by clicking the 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 Vista
SunPower by Milholland Electric
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Eminent Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Green Earth Electric
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
San Diego County Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Cosmic Solar and Roofing
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
SolHome
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Stellar Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
Baker Home Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
G C Electric Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Palomar Solar and Roofing
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Carlsbad Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
SolarHub - Best Price & 30 YR Roof Warranty
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Magic Solar San Diego
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Vista
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Vista 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 Vista
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 Vista
Although solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on energy bills over time, it’s important to know the startup costs.There are several factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Your income and budget: This guides what type of solar panels you can buy.
- 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. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $31,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
- Your power bills: This will affect how much you can save. In Vista, the average resident can save about $1,700 a year on their electricity bills.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Because of Vista’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electricity bills.
So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you want to decrease your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Vista homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Vista
Switching to solar power has many considerable benefits. Not only can it help preserve the Earth, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.State and city solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Vista
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to lower your reliance on nonrenewable energy.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? Using solar energy for electricity instead of burning fossil fuels is a good way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions if you're worried about Vista's fair level of greenhouse gas emissions.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. For homeowners who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
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 Vista, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Vista is SunPower by Milholland Electric, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.