Best solar companies in Los Angeles 2021
Updated: May 12, 2021Compare the prices and reputations of solar installers, solar panel manufacturers and other solar energy companies servicing Los Angeles.
4.80 235 Reviews
Latest review
Gotts, 1 week ago
Sunlux cut through and removed the structural top plates of our home. They then tried to cover it with stucco before the inspector could come. Luckily my husband is in the trades and saw what they did. It has been 2 months with the structural integrity of the house compromised and the side of our house open to bugs and pests. Not to mention 2 more months without solar. They have not fixed it and they dont seem to care. I dont know what to do except warn everyone. Sunlux used to be the gold standard of solar, but I guess they no longer care.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,150 (3.03 per watt)
Latest review
Gotts, 1 week ago
Sunlux cut through and removed the structural top plates of our home. They then tried to cover it with stucco before the inspector could come. Luckily my husband is in the trades and saw what they did. It has been 2 months with the structural integrity of the house compromised and the side of our house open to bugs and pests. Not to mention 2 more months without solar. They have not fixed it and they dont seem to care. I dont know what to do except warn everyone. Sunlux used to be the gold standard of solar, but I guess they no longer care.
4.79 60 Reviews
Latest review
David M, 3 days ago
Skylar was our salesperson, he was kind and helpful. If he didn't know the answer he wouldn't guess, he'd find out the answer. I recommend Skylar and Kota to anyone who is looking to save money on their energy bill.
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Latest review
David M, 3 days ago
Skylar was our salesperson, he was kind and helpful. If he didn't know the answer he wouldn't guess, he'd find out the answer. I recommend Skylar and Kota to anyone who is looking to save money on their energy bill.
4.78 85 Reviews
Latest review
Zandra Arsenio, 2 weeks ago
Simply A+! From the salesperson, project manager, and down to the installation team, everyone is super easy to work with and we were very satisfied. Our bill has been reduced by 80+% in the first month of use! We are very excited for the coming months and years.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,800 (3.36 per watt)
Latest review
Zandra Arsenio, 2 weeks ago
Simply A+! From the salesperson, project manager, and down to the installation team, everyone is super easy to work with and we were very satisfied. Our bill has been reduced by 80+% in the first month of use! We are very excited for the coming months and years.
4.77 32 Reviews
Latest review
Devin Yu, over 1 month
My husband and I both heard about the terrible experiences going solar. But with our SCE bill hitting over $400 in the summer we figured the risk was worth the reward. We weren't sure who to ask with our questions so we contacted a few companies that had great reviews. After comparing all the various solar companies we opted for Forme Solar due to their warranty and experience with solar repair. Well, it was the best thing we ever did. Going solar has cut our utility bill to a fraction of what it once was and we have a pool and two AC units. The customer service and installation was fast and responsive. I am very pleased with our solar system and would get it installed again with Forme Solar.
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Latest review
Devin Yu, over 1 month
My husband and I both heard about the terrible experiences going solar. But with our SCE bill hitting over $400 in the summer we figured the risk was worth the reward. We weren't sure who to ask with our questions so we contacted a few companies that had great reviews. After comparing all the various solar companies we opted for Forme Solar due to their warranty and experience with solar repair. Well, it was the best thing we ever did. Going solar has cut our utility bill to a fraction of what it once was and we have a pool and two AC units. The customer service and installation was fast and responsive. I am very pleased with our solar system and would get it installed again with Forme Solar.
4.75 33 Reviews
Latest review
, over 1 month
SunGreen did a wonderful job setting me up with solar panels at my new home. I was able to create the kind of design I wanted. Once installed, their tech support (Benny) has been outstanding in helping me understand how I can monitor the energy I'm producing. SunGreen is great and I highly recommend them.<br /><br />Everyone who get's solar in LA should know that LADWP does not pay you for the excess solar energy you create and send to their grid. I am still happy with my investment in solar because I don't have an electric bill (just the $22 tax every billing cycle for being hooked up to the grid) and my property value increased with the installation.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$26,650 (5.33 per watt)
Latest review
, over 1 month
SunGreen did a wonderful job setting me up with solar panels at my new home. I was able to create the kind of design I wanted. Once installed, their tech support (Benny) has been outstanding in helping me understand how I can monitor the energy I'm producing. SunGreen is great and I highly recommend them.<br /><br />Everyone who get's solar in LA should know that LADWP does not pay you for the excess solar energy you create and send to their grid. I am still happy with my investment in solar because I don't have an electric bill (just the $22 tax every billing cycle for being hooked up to the grid) and my property value increased with the installation.
4.75 127 Reviews
Latest review
Ethan Jolly, 5 days ago
I did a great deal of homework before I purchased my solar system. I received proposals from 8 different companies and NRG had a great price with amazing service even before the sale! My sales person, Antoinette, was able to quickly answer all of my questions and met my expectations 100% of the time. Sherry Avni coordinated the installation and walked me through the entire process gracefully and professionally. She was great! If I had any issues or questions, she would quickly address them and keep the process moving smoothly. The installers were total pros. Not only did they install the panels, but I needed to move and upgrade my electrical panel. The electrical panel turned out amazing and they even patched the area where the old panel was like it was never there! I am a super happy customer and love my new roof top power generator from NRG!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$12,750 (2.55 per watt)
Latest review
Ethan Jolly, 5 days ago
I did a great deal of homework before I purchased my solar system. I received proposals from 8 different companies and NRG had a great price with amazing service even before the sale! My sales person, Antoinette, was able to quickly answer all of my questions and met my expectations 100% of the time. Sherry Avni coordinated the installation and walked me through the entire process gracefully and professionally. She was great! If I had any issues or questions, she would quickly address them and keep the process moving smoothly. The installers were total pros. Not only did they install the panels, but I needed to move and upgrade my electrical panel. The electrical panel turned out amazing and they even patched the area where the old panel was like it was never there! I am a super happy customer and love my new roof top power generator from NRG!
4.73 23 Reviews
Latest review
Edward, over 1 month
I highly recommended for solar installation. The new system is running perfectly. We see big saving with the bills now.
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Latest review
Edward, over 1 month
I highly recommended for solar installation. The new system is running perfectly. We see big saving with the bills now.
4.72 28 Reviews
Latest review
Vikram K., over 1 month
I purchased my system through these guys with a battery back up. We want to make sure if the grid goes down that we have power to our freezer and fridge so our food doesn't spoil. The team at gim was helpful throughout the process and even helped fix my ac system when they were mounting the panels on my roof. I recommend this team for their experience in construction. Easy quote process and kept my informed entire time.
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Latest review
Vikram K., over 1 month
I purchased my system through these guys with a battery back up. We want to make sure if the grid goes down that we have power to our freezer and fridge so our food doesn't spoil. The team at gim was helpful throughout the process and even helped fix my ac system when they were mounting the panels on my roof. I recommend this team for their experience in construction. Easy quote process and kept my informed entire time.
4.72 31 Reviews
Latest review
Kevin, over 1 month
Imperium helped us install 31 Q Cell solar panels for our home in Southern California. The Sales and Project Process was very impressive. They followed up quickly, gave us fair pricing, executed the project timely, helped deal with HOA, handle all inspections, and setup monitoring for us via SolarEdge. They are highly recommended!!
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Latest review
Kevin, over 1 month
Imperium helped us install 31 Q Cell solar panels for our home in Southern California. The Sales and Project Process was very impressive. They followed up quickly, gave us fair pricing, executed the project timely, helped deal with HOA, handle all inspections, and setup monitoring for us via SolarEdge. They are highly recommended!!
4.70 28 Reviews
Latest review
, over 1 month
Not many people can say they had a good experience with a contractor,. Well allow me to say it was delightful experience working with Imperial Solar. They are real pros! trust me, I did my research and experienced it first hand. This company is real good in providing good service.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,800 (3.36 per watt)
Latest review
, over 1 month
Not many people can say they had a good experience with a contractor,. Well allow me to say it was delightful experience working with Imperial Solar. They are real pros! trust me, I did my research and experienced it first hand. This company is real good in providing good service.
Stats for solar companies in Los Angeles:
Companies reviewed
Avg rating of Los Angeles solar installers
Avg size of residential system
Avg price 7.33kW installed system
Los Angeles solar cost & savings calculator
Related topics:
Average cost of solar installation in Los Angeles
Table 1: Average cost of residential solar systems by system size
| System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $2.89 | $8,562 |
| 5kW | $2.80 | $10,342 |
| 6kW | $2.66 | $11,822 |
| 7kW | $2.64 | $13,700 |
| 8kW | $2.67 | $15,810 |
| 9kW | $2.58 | $17,210 |
| 10kW | $2.57 | $18,989 |
| 12kW | $2.59 | $22,973 |
| 15kW | $2.42 | $26,871 |
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,832.13
($2.63 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,469.14
($2.68 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$291.18 ($0.88 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,914.29
($2.61 p/w)
VBH330RA03K overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$340.00 ($1.00 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$14,280.00
($2.80 p/w)
VBHN340SA17 HIT+ overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
20.3
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,871.25
($2.62 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,266.45
($2.63 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$240.01 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.8kW system
$13,272.81
($2.77 p/w)
CS3W-400PB-AG overview
Rated power
400 watts
Efficiency
17.9
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$205.00 ($0.58 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,853.43
($2.59 p/w)
CS3U-355PB-AG overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
17.7
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,734.30
($2.61 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,991.41
($2.62 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Mosaic
- Loan
300 Lakeside Drive, 24th Floor,
Oakland, CA, 94612
(855) 746-7849
https://www.joinmosaic.com/
Description
Mosaic offers choices for solar financing. One loan is structured so that the monthly payment is lower than their existing electricity bill. The average Mosaic customer saves $30,550* over the life of the solar energy system, sometimes starting right from the time the system is energized. And when the homeowner owns their system, they claim all the savings, from the federal tax credit to any state or local incentives.
Dividend Solar
- Loan
- Pace
433 California St, Suite 300,
San Francisco, CA, 94123
(844) 805-7100
https://www.dividendsolar.com
Description
Dividend is a leading national provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient financing solutions to property owners. We give our customers the opportunity to obtain clean energy financing through a comprehensive suite of financing options. Our flagship product, the EmpowerLoan™, continues to expand its product offerings into the storage and home-energy space. Dividend also offers commercial PACE, which is a public-private financing mechanism for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and seismic upgrades on privately-owned property.
GreenSky
- Loan
6220 Enfield Avenue,
Encino, CA, 91316
(844) 810-7713
https://www.greensky.com/
Description
GreenSky® was founded on the idea that payment, credit and commerce could be enhanced using technology and elegant user experiences. We believed payment and credit could be an asset that empowers and enables commerce, not a distraction or impediment. Today, GreenSky delivers a service that helps business grow and delight their customers.
YGrene
- Loan
- Pace
2100 South McDowell Boulevard,
Petaluma, CA, 94954
(866) 634-1358
https://ygrene.com/
Description
A national leader in residential and commercial clean energy financing via PACE , Ygrene Energy Fund is revolutionizing the home improvement industry.
GreenBiz Financial
- Loan
(800) 764-3601
https://www.greenbizfinancial.com/
Description
The mission of GreenBiz Financial is to offer solar and other energy-efficient home improvement loans with attractive rates to our customers.
Light Stream
- Loan
Description
LightSteam is a national online consumer lending division of SunTrust Bank, the flagship subsidiary of SunTrust Banks Inc., one of the nation’s leading financial services companies.
Home Loan Investment Bank
- Loan
2 Altieri Way,
Warwick, RI, 02886
(401) 773-9948
https://www.homeloanbank.com
Description
Fast loan processing, competitive fixed rates with no pre-payment penalties and attentive customer service Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB is a full-service financial institution offering commercial lending, home improvement lending, small business lending, personal and business banking, automobile financing and mortgage services. We are a federally regulated, FDIC-insured savings bank with branches in Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island and are dedicated to helping our customers with their financial needs through our team of experienced and friendly bank representatives. We will give you personalized one-on-one attention and professional guidance to ensure that your transaction is completed in an accurate and timely manner. We are also a member of the Allpoint Network, providing access to over 40,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Whether you are looking to open a CD, refinance your home or start a business, we offer competitive rates. Call us today and see how we can help with your financial needs.
EnerBank USA
- Loan
1245 E. Brickyard Road Suite 600,
Salt Lake City, UT, 84106
84106-2562
https://enerbank.com
Description
FDIC insured EnerBank USA® is a highly specialized, national consumer lender that helps strategic business partners and independent home improvement contractors increase sales. Strategic business partners include manufacturers, distributors, franchisors, member or trade associations, and major retailers of home improvement, remodeling, and energy-saving products and services. They all rely on the bank to be here today and tomorrow to fund customer loans and help them achieve their business goals and objectives. We are America's home improvement lender of choice. We are reliable, professional, and we produce results.
Medallion Bank
- Loan
22232 17th Ave SE,
Bothell, WA, 98021
888.833.8570
https://www.medallionbank.com
Description
We offer similar programs and pricing as the big Banks, but with the kind of personal attention that you won't get with a black box lender. Our team provides a level of interaction and dedication to problem-solving that is unique in our industry. We also have a consumer-friendly process with no prepayment penalties or other hidden costs.
Celtic Bank
- Loan
- Pace
268 South State Street,
Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
800.509.6191
https://www.celticbank.com/
Description
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Celtic Bank is a privately owned industrial bank chartered by the State of Utah. Celtic Bank specializes in small business finance, helping business owners with working capital, expansion, acquisition, construction, equipment financing, renewable energy finance, real estate purchases and refinances, and more. Celtic Bank has ranked as one of the top ten SBA lenders nationally since 2013. Celtic Bank has a proven track record in a range of industries, including renewable energy finance, healthcare, gas station / C-store, car wash, hotel and others. Every business loan application is approached with a creative and problem-solving mindset, and we aim to structure tailored financing solutions that help our clients meet their growth objectives.
Further Research:
Installing a 8.2kW solar system in Los Angeles, 2021
Net cost of system
Average payback time
Annual power production
Levelized cost of solar energy
If you don't get solar
35¢ /kWh
Savings over 25 years
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 8.2kW system
Going solar in Los Angeles
Table 2: Available incentive programs
|
Eligibility: Federal incentive
Type: Personal Tax Credit
|
|
Eligibility: Utility incentive
Type: Net Metering
|
Note: Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
Types of solar energy companies
There are several different types of solar companies, and there are significant differences between them.
Large corporate solar companies
These are companies like Tesla, Sunrun and Vivint Solar with corporate ownership and wide geographical coverage. When residential solar took off back in 2012, they were the first to offer zero-down solar options and thus gaining massive market share. However, these companies grew too quickly and were unable to maintain the quality of their customer service; this is reflected in their poor review scores on SolarReviews and other sites. Furthermore, these large companies face stiff competition from local solar companies who now offer zero-down financing via specialist solar loan companies. Indeed, in a bid to stay competitive, in July 2020 Sunrun and Vivint, the largest companies by market share, announced they were merging.
Local and family-owned solar installation companies
These companies are typically one-stop shops that both sell and install solar systems. They are more likely to employ their own installation team rather than outsourcing the task. This is a good thing: our reviews indicate that customers are more satisfied with jobs performed by in-house crews.
Solar sales companies
These are companies that sell solar to homeowners over a large geographical area, but rely on outsourced installation labour to supply all the equipment, manage the permitting, and perform the installation. For example, they may sell you a solar system for $15,000, but then pay an EPC contractor $12,000 to supply and install the entire job. These companies also tend to have super-aggressive sales tactics, and we generally see low customer satisfaction for consumers who sign with them.
EPC contractors
EPC contractors do all of the permitting, installation and inspections for solar jobs that other companies sell. They became common as large corporate solar companies like SolarCity sold zero-down systems across vast parts of the country where they had no installation teams of their own. Large corporate solar companies still tend to use outsourced installation labour to protect themselves from any liability in the case of accidents. Like all roof work, solar panel installation carries large safety risks for workers.
Solar panel manufacturers
These are the companies that make the solar panels. Unfortunately, very few solar panel manufacturers still make solar panels in America. Even San Jose-based SunPower now makes all of its panels overseas. Ironically, probably the only major company making panels in the US right now is Jinko Solar, a large Tier 1 Chinese-owned manufacturer with a factory in Jacksonville, FL. The leading solar panel manufacturers are LG, Panasonic, QCells, SunPower, LONGi, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, JA Solar, GCL, and Hyundai.
Solar inverter manufacturers
Inverters convert the DC power made by your panels to AC power that your home can use. Inverters cause far more warranty issues than the solar panels themselves. If there’s one piece of advice we have for those going solar, it’s to buy a good inverter brand. The rapid shutdown rule now in force in most jurisdictions means that micro inverters or power optimizers need to be used, rather than string inverters.
(This is unfortunate, as string inverters have far fewer warranty issues). We recommend the brand Enphase for micro inverters, and SolarEdge for power optimizers. If string inverters are allowed where you live, then we suggest either SMA or Fronius.
Solar finance providers
Consumers who want to buy solar panels (instead of lease them) can now access loans from many different companies. Buying solar is preferable to leasing as it allows you to keep the 26% federal solar tax credit; if you lease panels, the credit goes to the lessor instead. Solar loan applications are made through your solar installation company, who acts as the dealer for the financing company. Leading solar loan providers include Mosaic, Dividend and Greensky.
People also ask:
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Big changes on the horizon for California net metering in 2021
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