Best 5 Solar Companies in Aliso Viejo, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Aliso Viejo

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some essential aspects to bear in mind while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, boilers, pool heaters, and HVAC. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar companies can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Aliso Viejo

The style of solar panels you purchase dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Most Aliso Viejo homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Aliso Viejo

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, cash payments and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Aliso Viejo.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.