Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

10 Best Solar Companies in San Marino, CA

Get matched with a top local pro.
Join over 640 homeowners that have gotten a free quote in the past week.

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for San Marino homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a reputable solar installer. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and assembled a guide to the most reputable solar Installers in San Marino. These top installers offer high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Best Overall
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance
Best Customer Service
3.9/5
  • Great customer service
  • Good warranty options
  • Excellent industry reputation

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in San Marino

SunPower by True Power Solar

SunPower by True Power Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
201 Clark Ave, Pomona, CA 91767 (714) 676-8888 truepowersolar.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Maintenance
Residential panels
Commercial panels

SunPower by Sun Solar-OC

SunPower by Sun Solar-OC Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
4085 E La Palma Ave Suite B, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 (949) 734-9695 sunpowerbysunsolaroc.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Maintenance
Commercial panels
Consultation
Residential panels

SunPower by Sea Bright Solar

SunPower by Sea Bright Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1785 Industrial Park Ave Building A, Redlands, CA 92374 (909) 347-5451 seabrightsolar.com

Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Battery storage
Residential panels
Consultation
Financing assistance
Commercial panels

Energy Solar

Energy Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
138 N Brand Blvd suite 200 127, Glendale, CA 91203 (818) 650-1464 energysolarinc.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Permit assistance
Consultation
Tesla powerwall
Residential panels
Battery storage
Financing assistance

SunCity Solar

SunCity Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
U.S. Bank Tower, 2600, 633, W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (855) 345-3337 suncity.solar

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Maintenance
Residential panels
Financing assistance
Cleaning
Commercial panels

Clean Initiative

Clean Initiative Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
2700 E Foothill Blvd #100, Pasadena, CA 91107 (833) 446-2532 cleaninitiative.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Residential panels
Battery storage
Solar panel upgrades

Altadena Energy & Solar

Altadena Energy & Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1585 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104 (818) 201-4206 altadenasolar.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Commercial panels
Residential panels

Los Angeles Solar Pros

Los Angeles Solar Pros Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
7807 Telegraph Rd, STE K-L, Montebello, CA 90640 (323) 765-1040 lasolarpros.com

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Residential panels
Permit assistance
Tesla powerwall
Commercial panels
Battery storage

Annex Solar

Annex Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
632 W Colorado St, Glendale, CA 91204 (833) 715-0948 annexsolar.us

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Battery storage
Solar panel upgrades
Residential panels

Green Integrations and Management Inc.

Green Integrations and Management Inc. Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
3108 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (818) 900-5471 gimenergy.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Residential panels
Commercial panels
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is reliable.

Check Licensing

It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. There are five distinct levels of solar contracting licenses in California: boilers, PV electrical, HVAC, thermal, and pool heating. To earn a license, an installer must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar panels can help decrease your electricity costs over time. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal solar tax credit on the full system cost is available through 2032. Many states also offer incentives. These credits offer substantial savings for solar customers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for upfront or financed over time with a loan or lease. Confirm key financing details like annual percentage rate (APR), fees, payment schedule, and ownership implications when financing solar panels.
  • Look into utility rebates: More financial incentives might be available from utility companies looking to encourage homeowners to go solar. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and eligibility rules, so you can determine your possible savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in San Marino

The cost of home solar panels in San Marino will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $3,470 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in San Marino are 2.8 kilowatts, and the typical San Marino homeowners spends $6,920 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

San Marino Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: PACE Financing

Website: wrcog.us

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 property The 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: Rebate Program

Website: gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov

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

Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff

Website: ladwp.com

Incentive Amount:

$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: selfgenca.com

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 Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: boe.ca.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment

Incentive Type: PACE Financing

Incentive Amount:

Locally determined

Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff

Website: cpuc.ca.gov

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in San Marino, CA

A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.

There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, reduce emissions, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in California being very mild, you have a wide time window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.

Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.

The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.

While solar energy might not be the best option for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.

When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. For insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

Other San Marino, CA Home Services