Best 5 Solar Companies in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita residents are intentional about protecting the environment and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. 8,783 homes in the area already employ a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Certified installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to join the solar bandwagon with confidence. In this article, we'll highlight Rancho Santa Margarita's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar contractors near Rancho Santa Margarita, focusing on the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Rancho Santa Margarita solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Rancho Santa Margarita community for more than a decade.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Rancho Santa Margarita Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Rancho Santa Margarita

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar water heaters, HVAC, photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, and pool heaters. 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 certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Santa Margarita

The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not every solar company offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can plan to spend about $17,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Rancho Santa Margarita. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Rancho Santa Margarita solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Rancho Santa Margarita

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Rancho Santa Margarita.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy