Best 5 Solar Companies in Tustin, CA

Tustin homeowners benefit from an average of 191 sunny days per year, making the city a suitable environment for solar power. Many are working with top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. If you reside in one of the area's many old homes, you might question whether your electrical system would accommodate solar panels. However, new innovations and savvy installers can help these homeowners access eco-friendly, clean power. In this guide, we'll showcase Tustin's best solar companies and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Tustin solar companies.

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Tustin solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Tustin community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tustin Homeowners?

California homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Tustin

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar HVAC, photovoltaic (PV) systems, water heaters, boilers, and pool heaters. Contractors must complete a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn a license. Solar providers can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The top 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 Tustin

Your solar modules' style will influence how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar company provides these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Most Tustin homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Tustin

Choosing the optimal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, leases, and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

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