Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Imperial homeowners. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Imperial. These proven and dependable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. There are five distinct levels of solar contracting licenses in California: boilers, PV electrical, HVAC, thermal, and pool heating. For a contractor to earn a license, an installer must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help lower your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.
In Imperial, solar panels cost an average of $3,470 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 2.8 kilowatts. The typical Imperial homeowner spends $6,745 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information reflecting your desired system's required preliminary work, size, panel type, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Amount:
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Incentive Amount:
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Imperial, the average amount someone can save is $942 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to provide you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system can keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.
