Solar Installers in California – Connect With Trusted Local Experts
Finding the right solar installer in California can feel like a lot. There are hundreds of companies. Prices vary. Rules change by utility. And now the billing rules are different under California’s new net billing system.
Living With Solar helps California homeowners connect with trusted, licensed local solar installers based on your ZIP code, roof, and energy use. Instead of guessing or calling 20 companies, you follow one simple process and compare real quotes.
We don’t install solar panels ourselves, we match homeowners with reliable local installers they can trust.
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Connect with vetted installers in your area
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in California?
Solar pricing in California varies based on system size, roof layout, equipment choice, and your local utility. There’s no single “one-price-fits-all” number—but benchmarks help set expectations. If you want a broader national comparison, this breakdown of how much it costs to install solar panels gives useful context before zooming in on California.
According to EnergySage, as of January 2026, the average installed solar cost in California is about $2.37 per watt. That puts a typical ~9 kW system at roughly $21,327 before incentives. You can see how that compares to other states in our solar panel cost by state guide, which highlights why California pricing often looks different.
Another industry source, SolarReviews, reports a higher average cost per watt. The difference comes down to methodology—and it’s exactly why comparing real quotes matters more than chasing averages. Before requesting quotes, it helps to understand what to do before installing solar panels so you’re comparing apples to apples.
What actually affects your solar price:
Solar is typically priced per watt ($/W), but several variables influence the final number:
Roof complexity (pitch, material, shading) can increase labor costs — especially if your home isn’t an ideal fit, which you can evaluate using this guide on whether your home is suitable for solar panels
Panel and inverter choices directly impact total price; understanding options like string inverters vs microinverters helps avoid overpaying
Battery storage increases upfront cost, but can significantly improve savings in California under current net billing rules — especially when you know how solar panels affect your monthly bill
The 30% federal tax credit can reduce your net cost substantially; incentives are covered in detail in our California solar rebates guide
You should always compare at least 2–3 installer quotes; choosing reputable installers matters, so reviewing the best solar companies for homeowners can save you from bad deals
Choosing the Wrong Installer can Cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Living With Solar acts as a solar advisory and matching platform. We help homeowners:
- Understand if their home qualifies for solar
- Compare options from vetted local solar installers
- Navigate incentives, pricing, and financing
Our goal is simple: help Texas homeowners make confident solar decisions without pressure or confusion.
Find the Right Solar Installer in California for Your Home
California remains one of the largest residential solar markets in the U.S, but it’s also one of the most complex. Between utility policies, changing incentives, and local permitting rules, choosing the right installer matters more here than almost anywhere else.
Here’s why choosing the right solar installer matters so much in California:
- Utility rules vary widely (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, LADWP, SMUD, and more)
- Billing is now based on hourly export value, not simple retail credits
- Batteries matter more than ever under new rate structures
- Permitting can be fast in one city and painfully slow in another
How Living With Solar helps
- Check if your home qualifies for solar
- Compare vetted local solar installers
- Understand incentives, pricing, TOU rates, and battery value
- Avoid bad installers and high-pressure sales
Our goal is simple: help California homeowners make confident solar decisions — without pressure.
How Living With Solar Works
In California, licensing matters. Solar contractors may carry a C-46 solar license through CSLB, which covers PV system installation and service.
Share Your Home & Energy Details
We start by learning a few basics:
- Are you a homeowner?
- What ZIP code is your home in?
- What is your average monthly electric bill?
This allows us to determine solar eligibility and savings potential.
Get Matched With Local Solar Installers
We look for:
- Active licensing and compliance
- Strong install history in your region
- Good equipment options (panels, inverters, batteries)
- Solid reviews and support
Compare Solar Quotes & Options
Installers provide quotes that can include:
- Recommended system size (kW)
- Estimated yearly output (kWh)
- Estimated bill reduction
- Battery options (and why it matters in CA)
- $0-down loans, solar loans, or cash pricing
- Warranty details
Move Forward With Installation
Once you choose an installer:
- Site survey is scheduled
- Final design is created
- Permits and utility paperwork are filed
- Install date is confirmed
- Utility PTO (permission to operate) is requested
How to Calculate Your Home’s Solar Energy Needs in California
The best place to start is your electric bill. Look for your monthly electricity usage measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). If you’re still early in the research phase, this overview of how solar power works helps explain why usage data is the foundation of system sizing.
Most solar installers will ask for 12 months of bills if possible, since energy use changes throughout the year. This information also plays a major role when estimating solar panel costs in California, since system size directly affects pricing.
Solar system sizing isn’t based on your home’s square footage, it’s based on how much electricity you actually use, and when you use it.
Under California’s current net billing rules, usage timing is a big deal. If much of your electricity use happens in the evening or at night, adding storage may be worth considering.
Key factors that affect your system size:
Use 12 months of bills for the most accurate estimate
Time-of-Use (TOU) plans matter—when you use power is just as important as how much; this directly affects how solar panels affect your monthly bill
System size is based on kWh usage, not home size
Shading, roof angle, and available roof space affect production; if you’re unsure, check whether your home is suitable for solar panels
Final system sizing should always be confirmed with a professional site survey as part of the solar panel installation process
Is Solar Worth It in California?
For most homeowners, yes—solar is still worth it in California.
But it’s not automatic, and it’s definitely not the same deal it was years ago. Whether solar makes sense depends on your utility, usage pattern, roof, and system design.
- Electricity rates are among the highest in the U.S. (especially PG&E, SCE, SDG&E)
- California has strong solar production across most regions
- Time-of-Use (TOU) rates can work in your favor with proper system sizing
- The 30% federal tax credit significantly reduces upfront cost
- Batteries can add value by reducing expensive evening power use and providing backup
Solar in California can still deliver strong long-term savings, but the margin for error is smaller than it used to be. Good design and the right installer matter more than ever.
Why Solar Makes Sense for California Homeowners
California homeowners often choose solar for a mix of cost and control.
Key advantages include:
- High electricity rates in many regions
- Strong sunlight across much of the state
- Time-of-use (TOU) pricing makes daytime power valuable
- Battery rebates may be available for some homeowners
- Energy resilience during outages (PSPS, storms, heat waves)
If your installer sizes the system correctly and explains billing clearly, solar can still be a strong long-term move in California.
California Solar Incentives, Credits, and Net Billing
Understanding California solar incentives is critical because savings depend on how your system is owned, how it’s designed, and how your utility compensates exports.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
Most homeowners start with the federal solar tax credit.
If you own your system (cash purchase or loan), you may qualify for a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the total project cost, subject to your tax liability.
Provides a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of your solar system
Applies to systems installed on primary or secondary residences you own
You must own the system (cash or loan leases typically do not qualify)
Covers panels, inverters, racking, wiring, labor, and battery storage (if eligible)
Eligibility depends on your personal tax situation, so it’s important to confirm with a tax professional before assuming the full credit applies.
California Battery Rebates (SGIP)
California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) provides incentives for eligible battery storage installations.
Important notes:
SGIP rebate amounts vary by category, region, and funding availability
Not all customers qualify for the same rebate level
Certain pathways may require enrollment under the Solar Billing Plan
Your installer or battery contractor should confirm eligibility before you factor the rebate into your savings estimate
SGIP funds are limited and program rules can change, so assumptions can lead to miscalculations.
Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0 / Solar Billing Plan)
For new solar customers in California, compensation works differently than in previous years.
Under the current Net Billing Tariff:
You use your solar energy in real time first
Excess energy sent to the grid earns hourly export credits
Export credit values are based on the time and grid demand
Export rates can be significantly lower than your retail electricity rate
For example, utilities like SCE explain that export credits are calculated by multiplying the hourly exported kWh by that hour’s export credit price.
Get Solar Quotes From Trusted California Installers
What Every Solar Quote Should Clearly Show
A good proposal makes it easy to understand performance, cost, and long-term value — not just a low monthly number.
- System size & production Rated size (kW) and estimated annual output (kWh)
- Equipment details Panel and inverter brand/model with real specs
- Battery option Usable capacity and why it’s included (or not)
- Bill impact Estimated savings under your actual utility rate plan
- Total cost & financing Cash price, loan terms, and any dealer fees
- Warranty coverage Equipment + workmanship, with real durations
- Project timeline Permits → install → inspection → PTO
How We Vet Solar Installers in California
Every installer in our network is reviewed for:
- Active licensing and insurance
- Residential installation experience
- Quality equipment options
- Warranty support and service history
- Customer satisfaction patterns
We prioritize quality and long-term support, not just the lowest price.
How California's Climate Affects Solar Panel Output
California has excellent solar potential, but real-world output depends on conditions.
Key Points
- Strong sun increases annual production
- Heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency
- Coastal areas may have more fog (still fine, just different)
- Wildfire smoke can reduce short-term output
- Roof angle and shading are big factors
- Good design matters more than “best panel” marketing
A good installer designs around your roof, not just averages.
How to Avoid Bad Solar Installers in California
Not all companies operate the same way.
Bad installs can lead to:
- Roof leaks
- Failed inspections
- Weak production
- Warranty headaches
Systems that don’t match net billing reality
Do HOA Rules Affect Solar in California?
In many HOA communities, solar is allowed, but there can be rules.
HOAs may require:
- Setback or placement guidelines
- Color matching for conduit
- Paperwork and approvals
A good installer helps with HOA packets and drawings so you don’t get stuck.
Questions to Ask Before Installing Solar in California
Asking the right questions helps homeowners avoid misunderstandings and ensures they choose the right solar solution. Well-informed homeowners make better long-term decisions.
What is the total cost after incentives?
Do you recommend a battery? Why?
What is the interest rate and term if financed?
Are there dealer fees in the loan?
What utility rate plan is this designed for?
How much power will I export vs use?
How do export credits work for my utility?
Who handles permits, inspections, and PTO?
What warranties are included?
What to Look for in a Licensed Solar Installer
A strong installer is clear, local, and accountable.
- Clear contract with full pricing
- Straight answers about net billing and export credits
- Workmanship warranty you can understand
- Local experience with your city permits
- Equipment options with real warranty support
- A service plan after installation
In California, the relationship doesn’t end at installation. You still need support if something fails later.
Areas We Serve Across California
We help homeowners connect with solar installers in:
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in California
Do I qualify for solar in California?
Is solar still worth it under NEM 3.0 / net billing?
How much can I save?
Is $0-down solar available?
How long does installation take?
Does LivingwithSolar install panels?
Get Matched With Trusted Solar Installers in California Today
If you're a California homeowner considering solar, the first step is understanding your options. Share a few details about your home, and we'll help you connect with licensed local solar installers who can provide accurate quotes and guidance, with no obligation
