Everything you need to know about going solar in California. Compare costs, find incentives, and get free quotes from top-rated solar installers.
Del Mar, CA
500 reviews
Powur PBC is a B-Corp certified solar marketplace and MLM company that connects customers with solar installation partners across 22 states. Operating since 2014, Powur uses independent consultants for sales and subcontracts installation work to regional partners.
Oceanside, CA
676 reviews
Stellar Solar is a top-rated local installer with 28 years of experience in Southern California since 1998. As an authorized Maxeon dealer, they install premium Maxeon panels (formerly SunPower) with industry-leading 40-year warranties. With over 16,000 residential and commercial installations, they are consistently voted San Diego's Best Solar.
San Diego, CA
920 reviews
Founded in 1938, Baker Electric is one of California's most trusted names in electrical services. Their solar division offers premium installations backed by decades of electrical expertise.
Chandler, AZ (serves CA)
450 reviews
Elevation offers comprehensive home energy solutions beyond just solar. Their services include energy audits, insulation, and HVAC upgrades, making them ideal for homeowners seeking complete efficiency improvements.
Charleston, SC (serves CA)
850 reviews
Palmetto Solar is a B Corp certified company focused on social and environmental impact. Their proprietary technology platform provides advanced monitoring and energy management tools.
El Cajon, CA
1100 reviews
Semper Solaris is a veteran-owned company offering solar, roofing, and HVAC services. They provide special discounts for military members and veterans.
Disclaimer: Company rankings are based on publicly available data including customer reviews, BBB ratings, years in business, and service offerings as of February 2, 2026. Featured companies may include paid placements.
Avg. Cost: $29,850
Annual Savings: $2,000
Sun Hours: 5.6/day
Avg. Cost: $28,840
Annual Savings: $2,600
Sun Hours: 5.7/day
Avg. Cost: $29,736
Annual Savings: $2,200
Sun Hours: 5.4/day
Avg. Cost: $28,665
Annual Savings: $1,950
Sun Hours: 5.2/day
Avg. Cost: $29,952
Annual Savings: $2,250
Sun Hours: 6.1/day
Avg. Cost: $29,475
Annual Savings: $1,600
Sun Hours: 5.8/day
Avg. Cost: $29,273
Annual Savings: $2,150
Sun Hours: 5.5/day
Avg. Cost: $29,470
Annual Savings: $2,050
Sun Hours: 5.3/day
Avg. Cost: $30,080
Annual Savings: $2,350
Sun Hours: 6.2/day
Avg. Cost: $29,232
Annual Savings: $2,150
Sun Hours: 5.6/day
Avg. Cost: $29,944
Annual Savings: $2,200
Sun Hours: 5.9/day
Avg. Cost: $29,378
Annual Savings: $2,150
Sun Hours: 5.7/day
Avg. Cost: $29,110
Annual Savings: $2,180
Sun Hours: 5.7/day
Avg. Cost: $29,330
Annual Savings: $2,100
Sun Hours: 5.4/day
Avg. Cost: $29,325
Annual Savings: $2,180
Sun Hours: 5.8/day
California leads the nation in solar adoption with over 1.5 million installations. Under NEM 3.0, pairing solar with battery storage is strongly recommended to maximize self-consumption and offset high electricity rates — export rates without storage are significantly lower than under previous net metering rules.
California homeowners with a solar+battery system under NEM 3.0 typically see payback in 10-12 years, compared to 6-8 years under the old NEM 2.0 rules. Costs reflect solar + battery storage system recommended under NEM 3.0, where pairing a ~10kWh battery (avg $8,500) is effectively required to achieve meaningful savings. Federal tax credit expired 12/31/2025. Payback periods are longer than pre-NEM 3.0 due to reduced export rates without storage.
Learn more about solar energy in your area
California's wildfires, earthquakes, and storms have a long history of knocking out the grid for days. Learn how a solar + battery storage system keeps your home powered when the utility can't.
California electricity rates have doubled. The federal solar tax credit is gone. Here's how wildfire risk and PG&E bills are reshaping the solar calculus in 2026.
The federal solar tax credit expired for homeowners in 2026. Learn how prepaid solar, leases, and PPAs still make California solar worth it in this complete guide.
See how much you can save on your electricity bill with solar power.
