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
Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your home is a huge decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Vista. Solar power isn't just good for the environment — your budget 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.
There are lots of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Vista.We recommend shopping around for several quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from pre-screened solar panel companies in Vista, click the link below.
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
Clear Pricing Policy- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
Precis Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Sol Energy Systems LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Eminent Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Green Earth Electric
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
San Diego County Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- System Decommissioning
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Cosmic Solar and Roofing
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
SolHome
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Stellar Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Baker Home Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
G C Electric Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Palomar Solar and Roofing
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Carlsbad Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
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
We get that for lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs.There are several factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who buy and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $31,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Your household's power bills: Due to high monthly electricity bills in Vista, you could save about $1,700 a year with solar.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the planet.
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Solar Incentives in Vista
Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a significant amount of money in the long term because of reduced utility bills and 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 see what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Vista
Installing solar panels can have a beneficial effect on the environment.But – how much exactly can you help by making the switch to solar? For homeowners who are environmentally-conscious, switching to solar power is a straightforward choice, especially since Vista produces a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.Since solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, going solar has so many other benefits besides saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
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
What is the best solar panel installation company in Vista?
The highest-rated local solar company in Vista is SunPower by Milholland Electric, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels need a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, like 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 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.