15 Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest, CA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Lake Forest based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Lake Forest, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Lake Forest homeowner saves $2,255/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest
When you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Lake Forest, digging through all the options can be challenging, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many fantastic perks. Because solar panels produce their own electrical power, they can vastly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not fully eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $27,000 of savings over 20 years.
If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Lake Forest and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and put together a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Lake Forest, you can click "get quote" below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Lake Forest
SunPower by Sun Solar-OC
Reliable Customer Support- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
SunPower by True Power Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
SYNRG Solar - Home Energy Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
SunSolar U.S.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
- Consultation
OC Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
Suntrek Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Semper Solaris
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Sun Synergy Consulting, Inc. SunPower Authorized Company.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
REPOWER OC
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Altair Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Vasco Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Renew Earth Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Pacific Allied Group
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Infinity Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Lake Forest
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
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 Lake Forest
While solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on electricity bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the upfront costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The type of solar panel system you can afford: This is dependent on what your budget is.
- Your location: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Lake Forest doesn’t use much energy, and consequently may not see as many savings on their power bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $27,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
There are many great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. In addition, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Lake Forest
Adopting solar power has lots of considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the planet, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other local incentives. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lake Forest
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your carbon footprint.You may be asking yourself – how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? The more power your house uses, the better off the planet will be when you switch to solar since you won’t have to use as much nonrenewable energy.When you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 50 pounds a year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll most likely recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Lake Forest, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel company in Lake Forest?
The best local solar company in Lake Forest is SunPower by Sun Solar-OC, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How efficient are solar panels?
Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
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.