Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Altadena, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, locally-owned SunPower Master Dealer, offering high-efficiency solar panels and battery storage systems. They are known for their custom design process, extensive warranty coverage, and deep knowledge of local incentives and permitting in the Altadena area.
A leading regional installer with a massive volume of positive reviews, known for its streamlined process and expertise with premium equipment like Tesla Powerwall and Panasonic panels. They offer robust financing options and comprehensive service from design to maintenance.
A well-established, family-run solar contractor with a strong focus on customer service and custom-designed systems. They provide a full suite of services, including consultations, installation, and cleaning, with an emphasis on educating homeowners.
The home solar market in Altadena is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a high density of quality, experienced installers. As a community with abundant sunshine and environmentally conscious residents, adoption rates are strong. The average quality of providers serving the area is high, with many holding top-tier certifications (like NABCEP) and partnerships with premium manufacturers like SunPower, LG, and Tesla. Due to the competitive landscape, pricing is often aggressive. A typical residential system in Altadena ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, depending on system size (usually 5kW to 10kW) and equipment choices. Homeowners have access to a wide array of financing, including loans, leases, and PPAs, and providers are generally very knowledgeable about local utility (SCE) policies and California-specific incentives like the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Altadena regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Altadena, California.
For a typical Altadena home, a 6-8 kW solar system currently averages between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives, with pricing influenced by roof complexity and equipment choices. Beyond the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Altadena homeowners benefit from California's net metering policies and the property tax exclusion for solar installations, meaning your system won't increase your property tax assessment. Additionally, you should check for any specific rebate programs offered by the City of Pasadena, which provides water and power services to Altadena.
Altadena's abundant sunshine, with over 280 sunny days per year, makes it excellent for solar, but the marine layer ("June Gloom") can reduce production in late spring and early morning hours. Systems are designed for this seasonal variation, with peak production occurring in the sunnier late summer and fall months. The high summer temperatures can also slightly reduce panel efficiency, which is why quality installers use equipment with good temperature coefficients and optimal placement to maximize annual yield.
Solar installations in Altadena require permits from the City of Pasadena's Department of Planning and Community Development, as Pasadena provides municipal services. The process includes structural and electrical reviews to ensure compliance with the California Building Code and the Pasadena Municipal Code. If your home is in a historic district or has specific homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you will need to secure their approval as well, though California's Solar Rights Act significantly limits an HOA's ability to deny a system.
Choose a provider licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) with a C-46 (Solar) or C-10 (Electrical) classification and strong experience specifically in the San Gabriel Valley. Look for a company with a proven track record of navigating Pasadena's permit process, understanding local fire code setbacks (especially important for homes in wildfire-prone foothill areas), and designing for our microclimates. Always check reviews and ask for references from recent Altadena or nearby Pasadena installations.
No, a standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power, you must pair your solar panels with a dedicated battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a critical consideration for many Altadena homeowners, and a qualified local installer can design a system that provides essential load backup during PSPS events or other outages.